Esther Lauren Luikens

Esther Lauren Luikens, age 93 of Menno, SD passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Esther Luikens was born to William and Anna (Rolof) Bartsch on July, 8 1923 on the farm in Turner County. After hardships on the farm, the family moved to Minnesota and later returned to South Dakota, living in Ipswich. After living in Ipswich, the family moved to a farm in Olivet, then moved to their house in Menno while Esther was attending high school in Menno. To help the family, she decided to put her energy into the work force after two years of high school. Esther worked at many places including Molly’s Café where she met her future husband, Jacob. She also worked at Mary’s Hotel in Menno. She worked for thirteen years at Corth’s Locker. Esther then began working from home doing upholstery work for others around the community. Jacob and Esther were married October 12, 1947 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Menno. Esther would happily help her husband, Jacob, at the tin shop.

She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidering, and quilting. Esther was best known for her date cookies and her other cooking and baking abilities.

Esther is survived by her husband, Jacob Luikens of Menno, SD; daughter, Brenda Dobbe of Parker, SD; daughters-in-law, Mary Ellen Luikens of Scotland, SD and Susan Beld of Cheyenne, WY; three grandchildren: Jim (Kristy) Pesicka of Parker, SD, Angela Pesicka of Parker, SD, and Emily Luikens of Tea, SD; great-grandchildren: Melissa, Jaron, Kaden, Alycia, Brenden; many nieces and nephews and other close relatives and friends.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Mary, Edna, Arnold, Leon, and Alice and sons: Roger, Dean, and Lewis.

Pallbearers include: Clifford Luikens, Dale Luikens, Ronnie Luikens, Fred Eisenbraun, Jim Pesicka, Angela Pesicka, Emily Luikens, and Larry Kirschenman.