In the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 22, 2017, Esther (Theis) Weinzierl, age 88, passed away at All Saints Senior Living in Shakopee, MN. She was a lifelong resident and amazing teacher in the Shakopee community.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, August 27 from 4-7 pm and on Monday, August 28 from 9:45-10:45 am, both at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation – Shakopee Chapel 833 S. Marschall Road, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, at The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee. Esther will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
It was on the family dairy farm, in the small county community of Marystown, MN, Esther Theresa was born on January 21, 1929, to parents Anton and Margaret (Hennen) Theis. The eighth of eleven children, she had very fond memories growing up in Marystown. Esther was also truly proud of her German heritage. This character defined who she was throughout her life. The family enjoyed the customs, foods and music of German culture.
Esther graduated from the eighth grade from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Marystown. She continued her education being taught by the nuns of Good Council of Academy in Mankato. Here, Esther was elected the class president and later graduated in 1946. Furthering her education, she earned a teaching degree from Mount Mary College and Mankato State University. In Esther’s later years, while raising a family, she too earned her master’s degree. Over her 35-year career, Esther taught in Mankato, Bloomington and eventually in her community of Shakopee at St. Mark’s Catholic School and the Shakopee Public School District. She loved children and making a difference in their lives. Teaching Kindergarten through Sixth Grade, Esther was a hands-on teacher and brought so much joy and adventure to her classroom. Esther was even nominated the Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 1975.
Teaching was important, but it was becoming a wife, mother and grandma that became Esther’s passion. While driving a team of horses on a farm in Marystown, she first noticed her future spouse, Clarence Weinzierl. It was love at first sight and on January 30, 1954 at her home parish of St. Mary the Purification, Marystown, they wedded. Establishing their home in Shakopee, Esther and Clarence were blessed with six children and one precious infant son, Joseph who was taken home to be with the Lord. In later years, she relished being a grandma. Esther love attending their sporting events and activities, as well as visiting those grandchildren who lived out of state.
When Esther had free time, she loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and canning the fruits of her labors. After retirement, Esther focused her time on making beautiful quilts for family and friends. She too enjoyed playing the card game of 500. Esther had amazing qualities. She instilled in own children and the children she taught, the importance of an education and a strong work ethic. Even while working hard, she maintained a great sense of humor and making some work feel like fun.
The legacy of Esther will to be carried on by her children and loved ones, Patricia (Ron) Moline, Michael (Victoria) Weinzierl, Ann (Daryl) Wing, Jane (Eric Brinton) Weinzierl, Nancy (Tim Geis) Hergott, Joan (David) Klassen; grandchildren, Kathrine Weinzierl, Thomas Weinzierl, Colter Hanson, Cody Hanson, Liam Brinton, Kellen Brinton, Joel Hergott, Alan Hergott, Ben Hergott, Zachary Klassen, Lauren Klassen; sister, Arlene (Leon) Luce; sisters-in-law, Doris Theis, Corrine Theis, Lucille Notermann, Evie Zager, Ellen Weinzierl, LaVonne Weinzierl; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; infant son, Joseph; parents, Anton and Margaret Theis, siblings, Cecila (Fritz) Pauly, Leola (Bert) Worm, Ray (Gertie) Theis, Cyril (Sally) Theis, Edwin “Dick” (Dorothy) Theis, Verner Theis, Clement (Alice) Theis, Martin (Mary Louise) Theis and Norbert Theis.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Weinzierl family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Dave and Luanne Pieper
Another Angel reaches Heaven, our sympathy to Esther’s family , what a wonderful lady!! God bless her on her new journey
Kim Tieben
So sorry for your loss. Esther was a wonderful lady. That smile was AMAZING. She was a fabulous teacher that many looked up to.
May you all find peace.
Clifford Thibodeau
She was my favorite teacher. Because of her I will always have a funny story from fourth grade. RIP Mrs. Weinzierl, and prayers for her family.
Paulette Meuffels
I am going to miss the times we had together, great memories. God called her home to be with her little boy. Who else always got by pinching your ass. I am sure that alot of cousins have a quilt. She loved making them and seeing the joy on ones face when they received it. I had the pleasure of making quilts with her and going to the quilt shows that raised money for the retired nuns. I will miss you. We had our special times, I would call her and we would go to SaukCentre and stay at Fred’s she enjoyed that alot we would drive the back roads just to see things one time we got lost somewhere near Sauk Centre and I couldn’t figure out how to get to Fred’s here we were 4 miles from Sauk Centre. We sure laughed at that one. She loved the back roads the smell of freshly cut hay, the country but not pig farms. I have to get busy making a quilt she had given some patch work squares that she made. I will treasure that forever.
Susan (Dahn) Holly
Mrs W Made a huge impact in my life. She taught me to have respect for teachers/adults. Non traditional teacher but loved every minute I was in her math class in fourth grade. She always made us laugh so hard our stomachs hurt and tears were in our eyes. What a tremendous person. Rest In Peace.
Kathy Hullander Boys
Rest In Peace, Esther. As one of my favorite teachers, she had a special impact on my life. My condolences to all her family and friends.
Shelley Lebens-Gehrman
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady! Hugs to all of you!
Jeanette Hentges
So sorry for your loss . Esther was a wonderful teacher and person
Craig Huckabone
Other than my mother this woman had my heart. She was my fourth grade teacher. I sure loved the way she taught.
Ron an Joan Karst
Nancy and family joan an I are so sooty for your loss I LOVED THAT LADY never to be forgotten
Eliza James
She changed my life. Loved her as my Teacher.
Cassie Steiner ( Oxenrider)
Mrs. Weinzierl was a true inspiration to all. I loved every minute of 4th grade. She was my favorite teacher and motivated me to become a teacher. She always believed in me and helped me overcome many struggles. I am a better person because of her. She made learning fun and memorable. Birthdays were always fun.
Connie Doepke
Esther was my wonderful aunt and Godmother, couldn’t have asked for anyone better. She had a beautiful smile and would light up when she saw you. She was a great listener, made you feel like you were the only one in the room when talking with her. She always had a special place in my heart and I loved her very much. Always was game to play cards or go to any party or shower. Great fun!! I will always remember her beautiful quilts and beautiful garden especially her flowers. Rest in peace dear angel!
Margie Thieschafer
So sorry to read of Esther’s passing! So many memories that will be with me forever – Lucky to have the Weinzierl family in my life. All those bike trips down 3rd street were awesome and worth it.
Susette Simon
This woman was an amazing person! I had her for a teacher and I will never forget her! She just had such a way of working with kids that made it fun but she also had a good way to keep us in line! So sorry for your loss!
Cynthia Zager
RIP Aunt Esther…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Monica Koran
Mrs, Weinzierl was my fourth grade teacher and by far my favorite. She was passionate about what she did and made a difference in so many kids lives. She will be missed dearly.
Christopher Reynolds
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Weinzierl passing. She was mine and my brothers favorite teacher. She was such a wonderful person. She will truly be missed
Dale & Judy Wing
We are so sorry to hear of the death of your Mom, she was one of a kind. Enjoyed visiting with her when she came to Montana. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all during this trying time. Love Dale and Judy Wing
Dan & Ginny Foslid
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Esther was a very special person. We have so many memories of her. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bonnie Barker
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Nancy Anderson
So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Erin O'Brien Denton
She was my favorite teacher EVER. Such a gifted and talented woman. Heaven is truly blessed to welcome her. thoughts and prayers with her family.
Janet Weckman Manzke
God bless you Esther…another angel watching over you. In my thoughts and prayers.
Jessica Schmitz
My deepest sympathy to your family. I am saddened by the loss of my most favorite teacher. She was an admirable woman who loved all. I remember her kind and encouraging words to this day even though it has been many years ago. May she rest in peace.
sue carlson
Joan and family. May you know that I am thinking of you and sending you love and prayers. May you find comfort with family and friends as you say your final good-bye to your mom. Remember the good times you had with your mom to know joy along with your sadness.
Lynn Englund
Pat , so sorry for your loss…let your memories sustain you. She lives on in your heart.
Lynn Englund
Debra Bell
My sympathies to you and your family. Losing mom is a hard thing to do. Find some peace in her memories. Prayers to you.
Neil and Ann Johnson
Our thoughts are with the entire family…she was a special person.
tony welch
Condolences to the Weinzierl family and her many friends. Mrs. Weinzierl was my fourth grade teacher, and my favorite teacher. A truly good person who will be always have a place in my heart, and in the hearts of hundreds of her students.
Corina Strand
Sorry for your loss. She was the best teacher and I will always have fond memories of her.
Ann Deering Warren
I have such fond memories of Esther while growing up. She always had a smile on her face and always made me feel welcome when I would hang out with Ann. My deepest sympathy to the Weinzierl family.
Ann Deering Warren
Barbara Thies Hauger
Feeling blessed to have Esther was in my life as second cousin, my teacher, but also as neighborhood “mom” in the early 1960’s. I’ll always remember her booming voice and generous arms. She coached our theater troupe in neighborhood plays, and I’ll never forget making 60 cents each on the box office take, going to Dairy Queen for treats. As a teacher she made a point to reach out to EVERY student especially the ones who didn’t shine in the traditional sense. Recently my mom and she became neighbors again at All Saints Senior Living, and I regret not seeing her these last months. My deepest sympathy to her daughters and son, and the entire family.
Linda Beach
Esther was a character and full of quirky charm, she loved a good laugh and I enjoyed our many conversations and “events”. Her presence and impact on an evening are memorable. She will be missed. xox V
Andrew J. Ward
Condolences from my family. Mrs Weinzierl was my favorite teacher ever. It was impossible to have a bad day in 4th grade with her at the helm. She made learning fun and always knew how to make us smile. I still tell stories to this day about her unique teaching style! Much love, she’ll be missed.
Otto Loggers
I’m so sorry for your lost, Nancy and Family.
“Mrs Weinzierl’s” passion for teaching and care for the individual child exemplified all that I could have ever hoped to be as a new teacher. Her classroom antics (undies in your desk) which made us smile from ear to ear and high academic expectations combined to form a powerful figure (not to mention her height to a 4th grader) to follow and deeply respect. She’s remembered as one of my best teachers, and I hope my own children will find an exceptional educator, such as Mrs. Weinzierl, as they return to school.
Just loved her and all she represented.
Gretchen Stark
Mrs. Weinzierl touched the lives of so many children and like others, remained my favorite teacher of all time. What a wonderful legacy she leaves – her family must be very proud.