Esther P. Knutsen, 95, of Eau Claire passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Milestone Residence.
Esther was born on Febuary 26, 1921 in Eau Claire to Christian and Caroline (Pedersen) Knutsen. She graduated from Eau Claire High School. Esther began working at Gillette Rubber Company in February of 1940 as a clerk and retired after 43 years, in 1983.
Esther led an active life, involved in groups which included the Royaliers at Uniroyal, and the Retreads and after retirement continued with the same group renamed, the “Has-Beens”. She was also a lifetime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. She was a member of the church choir in her early years, and enjoyed worshipping every Sunday while able.
Following retirement, Esther enjoyed taking bus tours to see other parts of the USA. She met new people and made many friends. She enjoyed time spent with her friends; monthly lunches with them were something she looked forward to.
Esther loved family and so enjoyed all the holidays, weddings, and birthday parties that she attended. She was known for calling people on their birthday and singing “Happy Birthday” to them in her own special melody!
Esther is survived by one niece, Helene (Froseth) Anderson of Elk Mound, WI; two nephews, Jon (Kaye) Froseth of Green Bay, WI, and Ray (Cecelia) Kruger of Dearborn Heights, MI. She is also survived by 12 grand nieces and nephews, and numerous great-grand and great-great grand nieces and nephews.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Caroline; and her sisters, twins, Elise (Knutsen) Kruger and Marie (Knutsen) Froseth.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel with Pastor David Wall officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. Burial will follow services at Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.