Esther Borkowski

Esther Dora Bertha, daughter of Charlie and Gustie (Paape) Stoelk, was born August 25, 1917 in Mower County near Waltham, MN. She was baptized at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Waltham on September 9, 1917. Near the age of two years, Esther moved with her family to her grandparents' farm south of Manning, IA. She attended rural school in Lincoln Township, Audubon County and the attended Manning High School. After completing her education, she worked for ten years. On May 8, 1943, Esther was united in marriage with Loyd E. Borkowski while he was still in the military service. Their marriage took place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, CO, performed by Pastor Enge. While Loyd finished his military service at various locations around the United States, Esther was able to join him periodically. Loyd received his honorable discharge in 1945 and returned to join his family in Iowa. Esther and Loyd were the parents of four children and farmed several places around Irwin, Audubon and Botna until 1961 when they moved to a farm southeast of Manning. They farmed there until 1982 when they moved into Manning. Esther was a full time mother and homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking, embroidery, reading, and tending her flowers in her spare time. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning where she had been confirmed on April 18, 1937. Esther's husband, Loyd, died on June 24, 2003. In 2005 Esther moved to the Reed House, an assisted living facility, in Denison. She died there on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the age of 92 years and 8 months. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; brother Orville Stoelk; sister Dorothy and husband Duane Hillson; brother-in-law Herb Mahnke and sisters and brothers-in-law Lois and husband Eddie Vogel and Alverda and her husband Jack Rudd. Esther is survived by her four children: Janice and husband Bruce Artherholt of Red Oak; Lyle Borkowski and wife Marlene of Manning; Lenus Borkowski and wife Kristie of Manning; and JoAnn and husband Roger Musfeldt of Omaha, NE; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister Inez Mahnke of Manning; two brothers Lyle Stoelk and wife Shirley of Austin, MN and Charles Stoelk and wife Judy of Hayfield, MN; sister-in-law Donna Stoelk of Austin, MN; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends. Officiating Reverend Jonathan Conner Music "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" "The Old Rugged Cross" Congregation Carlys Stribe, Accompanist Casketbearers Kari Borkowski Amy Borkowski Lucas Borkowski Travis Borkowski Marcus Borkowski Adam Musfeldt Aaron Musfeldt Lisa Artherholt