Esther Fritsche

Fritsche, Esther M. MADISON- Esther M. Fritsche passed away on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, the daughter of parents, Fred and Mina Dobson. She was born on Dec. 20, 1935, in Reedsburg. While attending school she babysat various neighborhood children, worked at Schultz Brothers Variety store and Reedsburg Gas and Electric Company. Esther played the piano; however her favorite instrument was the clarinet, which she played in the Junior and Senior High School bands. She looked forward to marching in parades with the band, playing in school concerts and at athletic events. At graduation, Esther was employed at Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. (now American Family Insurance Co.). While working there, one of Esther’s co-workers introduced her to a friend of hers. From the first meeting the two became true friends. They had the same interests in music, travel and family. Within a year she became engaged to Arthur O. Fritsche and on May 14, 1955, they became partners for life. Arthur and Esther built their first home before marriage so they wouldn’t have to pay rent. In 1958 their pride and joy arrived as a son, Timothy John, followed by Jeffrey Paul in 1959 and Peter David in 1964. Esther and Art’s life revolved around their three wonderful sons. If you saw one, you would see all five. Many hours were spent helping the boys with their homework and helping build their school projects which won many fine approvals. The boys following their mother’s exceptional example, became excellent students and with their father’s outstanding performance in the business world, this gave them a well-rounded education. As disciplined, hardworking, intelligent young men they were to do well in the years to come. As a family they enjoyed attending Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor J.C. Peterson, Pastor David Swenson and Pastor’s Assistant Lynn Kroger. For several years Esther enjoyed doing bookkeeping and custodial work at the church. The family together enjoyed many camping and canoe trips, Cub Scouts, parades, grandparents and all the holidays. She enjoyed being Mrs. Santa as her husband thrilled children of all ages. Together with her husband Art, they built a very strong Cub Pack No. 328, he being the cub master and she the head den mother. They lead the pack in many parades and outings in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. As the boys grew up, Esther worked several bookkeeping jobs including Neuendorf Transportation, Wisconsin Furnace Co., Midwest Heating, Wisconsin Higher Education Corp. and finally at the Dept. of Public Instruction from which she retired in 1996. Along with her husband she worked many part time jobs while working her full time job. These included Midwest Services, Pinkerton Security, Per Mar Security, and ushering at the Dane County Coliseum and Memorial Union Theatre. Esther enjoyed working around the home making sure it was well decorated for each holiday. She spent endless hours decorating their large Christmas tree, taking the time to place each strand of tinsel in exactly the right place. In the summer Esther spent many hours in her various flower beds planting close to 400 annual flowers each spring making their yard a show place. After Esther and Art’s retirement, together they enjoyed traveling around the U.S.A. and touring many great theatre palaces where they listened to the music from the magnificent theatre pipe organs. They were members of the American Theatre Organ Society, Chicago Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Dairyland Theatre Organ Society and the Michigan Antique Phonograph Society. They also enjoyed touring many of the beautiful old Victorian mansions along the way. Esther is survived by their three wonderful sons who they loved dearly to the end, Tim, Jeff and Peter; and brother, John (Annapolis, Md.). She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David and Harry; and Bobs, the loving cat. At Esther’s request there will be no visitations, funeral service or memorial. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420