Esther M. Makovec

Esther M. Makovec, 104, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at Kindred Hearts Senior Living in Fond du Lac.She was born in Lamartine, Wisconsin on March 28, 1910, to William and Minnie Roeder Oelke. Growing up on the farm and taking care of her brothers and sisters, Esther was in the first high school graduating class of Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond du Lac.Esther married John Makovec in Chicago, Illinois in 1939. The young couple were hired to be the caretakers/managers of a 640 acre private girls camp in Clam Lake, Wi. Esther raised their four children in the Northwoods from 1944 to 1972. Esther was known to be an excellent cook, often entertaining the camp owners and guests. Esther’s huge gardens of fresh produce were even sought after by many black bears (who were greeted with banging pots and pans through the kitchen screen window!).Esther’s youngest child, Eugene, was special needs and Esther devoted herself to his quality of life. At a time when there weren’t resources for families, Eugene completed eighth grade and developed many interests (crafts, music). After her husband died, Esther and Eugene moved to their family’s cozy homestead near Owen, Wisconsin. Esther guided Eugene to attend camps, sports events and get a job (which he had throughout his life).In 1997, Esther and Eugene moved back to Fond du Lac and happily lived with her sister Leona until 2007. After both had passed away, Esther lived by herself for the first time, at age 95.Esther enjoyed her later years at Northgate Senior Apartments. She shared many joyful times with numerous family and friends. Esther’s annual ‘Birthday Lasagna Feast’ became the event to attend, especially at #103!Esther was preceded in death by her husband, John; her son, Eugene; her sisters: Leona, Doris, Ruth, and Margaret; and her brothers, Harold and Lawrence. Esther is survived by one daughter, Nicole; two sons, Johnny, Billy (Jodie); two grandsons, Eric (Susan), and Brett (Lael), one granddaughter, Mylinda; two great-granddaughters, Zoe and Anna; together with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held in Fond du Lac at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 606 Forest Avenue, on Thursday, September 18, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., with a luncheon at church, following. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.Funeral services will be held in Greenwood, Wisconsin, on Friday, September 19, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 110 W. Begley, at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Withee, Wisconsin, with lunch to follow at Meadowview Golf Course, Owen.Memorials may be directed to the church.

Esther M. Makovec

September 13, 1919 - September 13, 2014