Esther Wardale
March 26, 1929 - June 07, 2013
Obituary
MADISON - Esther Wardale, age 84, passed away on Friday, June 07, 2013 in her home. She was born on March 26, 1929, the daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Blaser) Bakken. After graduating nursing school she married John B. Wardale on Oct. 7, 1950. Esther was a caring nurse, working in a pediatric office for ten years then the Meriter premature nursery for 40 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star, and a volunteer at St. Stephen’s food pantry, Meriter hospital, Sports for Active Seniors, and the Ronald McDonald House. Esther enjoyed running, golf, biking, cross country skiing, going to APT, playing bridge, going out to lunch with friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Later in life she enjoyed traveling the world, visiting six continents. She is survived by her son, John (Janine) Wardale; daughter, Amy (Christopher) Reithmeyer; two grandchildren, Zachary (Fiancee Melissa Franke) and Kayla Reithmeyer; brothers, Marvin (Patricia) Bakken and Frederick Wilber ‘Fritz’ Bakken; and sisters, Helen Zander and Margaret Burmiester. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Harold and Russell; and sister, Francis. Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona at 11a.m., on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 with Pastor Tim Hanson presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made in Esther’s name to Sports for Active Seniors, St. Stephen’s food pantry and Second Harvest Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. ‘I’ve had a full and wonderful life’ – Esther. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2013.
Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona at 11a.m., on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 with Pastor Tim Hanson presiding.
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Sue Richgels
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I only knew Ester for a short time, but I really enjoyed her company. She was a wonderful, sweet person who never complained about anything. I learned a lot about playing bridge from her and will miss our get-to-gathers. She was a beautiful lady. I am so sorry for your lost.
JL
Julie Lehner-Gevelinger
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Dear Esther,
I never forgot your kind gentle way! When I saw your photo I was sad that I never kept in touch with you. Zach still has his hat from you. I wonder how many you knit over the years.
I'm sure your kids know what a special person you were. I wanted them to know that 25 years later you still hold a special place in our hearts!
Julie, Greg and Zachary Gevelinger
Dodgeville
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Karen Meier
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I met Esther 21 years ago when my daughter was born prematurely at Meriter. Three years ago our paths crossed again when I became a cuddler in the NICU at Meriter. On my very first day of cuddling, Esther came in right after me to cuddle. That was the start of many Sunday morning conversations that we had together. I will miss you Esther and forever hold a special place in my heart for you.
AP
Amy Peterson
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Amy....sorry for your loss. Your mom was so nice and special with all the things that she did. Like knitting for the newborns.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
RR
Ruth E. Oren RN
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My condolences to Esthers' family, she was a wonderful, caring nurse. I had the pleasure to work with Esther as a nurse in the premature nursery. I was afraid to touch those little babies at first and hold them to feed them, but Esther reassured me that they wouldn't "break". She was a great mentor.
I am also trying to remember the details, but can't recall right now.I think she had something to do with me getting a Dalmation dog named Willie. May she rest in peace. Ruth