Esther Eustice

Esther D. Eustice, age 78 of Waseca, died on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at her home, with her family at her side. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 2:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. Martin Schaefer, and Fr. Syl Brown con-celebrating. Interment will be in the St. Jarlath Cemetery, Iosco Township, Waseca County. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at McRaith Funeral Home in Waseca, and will continue on Friday afternoon for one hour prior to services, at church. There will be a 7:30 pm parish prayer service Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Don Eustice MemorialScholarship Fund. Esther Doretta was born on October 17, 1930 in Waseca, Minnesota to Ray and Jessie (McGrath) Clayton. She graduated from Waseca Schools, and attended Mankato State University. She was united in marriage to Donald Dean Eustice on November 12, 1948 in Waseca. Esther and Don, both very active in their community, raised nine children in Waseca and passed on the value of community service to their children and grandchildren. Over the years Esther specifically gave back to the community in many ways: Founder of the Don Eustice Memorial Scholarship, Meals on Wheels, Cub Scout Leader, VFW Auxiliary, Neighborhood Service Center Board, Irish American Club Board, Election Board, Aqua Club, Waseca Historical Society, All School Reunions Committee, (DAR) Daughters of American Revolution, Waseca Senior Citizen Center Board, Waseca Hospital Auxiliary, Waseca Hospital Telecare, Santa Anonymous, Women's Grief Group, St. Agnes Sewing Circle, Secretary and Treasurer of the (WCCW) Winona Council of Catholic Women, follower of all the activities her children were involved in, foster parent to many children, and volunteered her time to numerous other organizations.  Esther worked tirelessly for the Waseca County Sheriff's Department and most recently was a representative for Hallmark Cards.    Esther is survived by her children Doug (Sandy) Eustice of Cathedral City, CA, Gary (Anne) Eustice of Hibbing, MN, Rebecca (Tom) Bruner of Pleasanton, CA, Scott (Sue) Eustice of Alexandria, MN, Brad (Mary K) Eustice of Shoreview, MN, Todd (Patty) Eustice of Mora, MN, Barry (Bonnie) Eustice of St. Ansgar, IA, and Barb (John) Hertzog of Waseca, MN; by her 27 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild; by her son-in-law Chuck Schwab of Janesville, and her half sister Helen Lickteig of Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald D. Eustice on Sept. 4, 1976 and her daughter Peggy (Eustice) Schwab on May 20, 2001; by her half brother Orville Claytonwho died serving his country during WWII. Casketbearers are Esther's grandsons, Mike Bruner, Joe Bruner, Colin Eustice, Don Eustice, Clay Eustice, Connor Eustice, David Eustice, Justin Hertzog, Jacob Hertzog, Bradley Eustice, and her godson Dan Gerdts. Honorary casketbearers are Esther's grandchildren, Laura Eustice, Caitlin Eustice, Meghan Eustice, Kristen Eustice, Allison Eustice, Haley Eustice, Molly Eustice, Kim Eustice, Tracy Thomes, Ashley Thomes, Jessica Hertzog, Monika Hertzog, Veronica Hertzog, Erika Hertzog, Will Vogel, Gavin Briggs, Michelle Larson, Tracy Salzbrun, Stephanie Cordeiro, Matthew Shamp, McKenzie Shamp, her goddaughter Tina Ryan, and her foster daughter Lis Kormann.