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Esther Kirchner, 91, of Hudson, WI passed away on July 17, 2024 due to complications after heart surgery. She was born September 24, 1932 to William and Anne (Cotter) Kirchner and was the 5th of 13 children in the family. She spent her childhood living in the Prescott and River Falls area. She graduated from Prescott High School in 1950. She later moved to St Paul, Minnesota where she worked as a key punch operator.
She moved back to River Falls in 1976 to care for her parents with her daughter, Gina. She was an active member of St Bridget Catholic Church.
She retired from Ramsey County Human Services after over 30 years of service. She spent her retirement years in Mesa, Arizona where she met the love of her life, Al Mechem. They were together over 20 years before his death in 2021. They spent their days with friends socializing, dancing, and playing cards. She moved to Wintergreen Apartments in 2021 where she enjoyed meeting new friends. She was an avid card player and loved helping others.
She is survived by her daughter and son in law Gina and Erik Paulson; her beloved grandchildren Mikenna, Braden and Keenan Mork, Ryley, Anders, Ethan and Bjorn Paulson; siblings, Helen Fasbender and Jim Kirchner; brother-in-law, LeRoy Peterson; and sister-in-law, Christine Kirchner; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
She is preceded in death by her partner, Al Mechem; parents, Bill and Anne Kirchner; siblings Bill (Isabel), Chuck, John (Charlotte), Raymond, Ruth and Charlene Kirchner, Mary Alice Peterson, Agnes (Howard) Johnson, Katey (Claude) Pace, Inez (Joe) Baker, and Merlin Fasbender.
Esther was a loving Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by everyone she touched with her kind spirit.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Donations can be made in her name to St. Bridget Church or St. Patrick Church.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:00AM at Saint Bridget Catholic Church (211 East Division Street River Falls, WI 54022) with visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Interment was Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prescott, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Esther’s Mass.
6 Comments
Gina, my heart goes out to you. We extend our love and support to you and your family. Esther was a lovely woman and will be fondly remembered. Sending prayers of comfort.
So many memories. Loved coming out to the farm & crawling under the table. With 13 children needed a large table. We would play a n your high heels while you were gone. Love you – Annie Bill Charlene Inez Ray & Johnny – Ruth my forever friend can’t believe they’re all gone. I’ve lived too long. Tooo many goodbyes
I have fond memories of Esther. Both when she came to stay with us in California, and on the Kirchner farm. Her fair-mindedness, and kindness especially. She also taught me how to drive in her VW bug.
May she rest in peace. I met Esther a few years ago at Wintergreen Apts. she was a very positive person and always talked of her grandchildren that they meant so much to her. with the little surprises and call/visits/letters they always kept her up to date with their lives. so sorry Gina, it was a shock when I was told, she was strong and I thought she could beat it. just know prayers and thoughts are going out to her. God Bless the family. Karen Hadzima (St. Pat’s)
I loved Ester! Sorry for your loss.🙏
Worked with Esther for my 33 years with Ramsey Co Went to walk at lunch every day Enjoyed looking for the Winter Carnoval treasure together (but never found).
We also travelled to California and had a few other small trips over the years
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