Esther Irene Kamm

Esther Irene Kamm (Nielsen) passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 05, 2010. She was born on August 23, 1927 in Racine to Thomas and Margaret (Jensen) Nielsen. Esther grew up in Racine, attending Lincoln Elementary, McKinley Jr. High and then graduated from Horlick High School class of 1945. She was confirmed at Bethania Lutheran Church. On December 1, 1951 she married Donald C. Kamm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She received her nurses training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago receiving her degree in 1948. Esther worked as an RN at the County Home which later became known as High Ridge. She left there to become the Industrial Nurse at Hamilton Beach where she remained until leaving to raise her family. Esther was very involved in her childrens' schools serving as President of the Lincoln School PTA. She served for many years as a poll worker (also at Lincoln School), and enjoyed golfing with the Washington Park Ladies Wednesday Golf League. She was very active in the St. Mary's Auxiliary (later All Saints) volunteering for Cardiac Capers, working in the gift shop and serving as President of the Auxiliary. Her favorite time volunteering was spent as chairman of the 'Smile' TV program working with volunteens and every Thursday with 'Smile' dear friends, Margie, Ann and Bobbi. She sang in the church choir at First Evan Lutheran Church for many years and enjoyed being in the Ladies Aid Society with her daughters and many church friends. Esther and Don enjoyed vacations in Siesta Key, Florida every year with their children and grandchildren walking the white, sandy beaches. They also loved their trips to Las Vegas with close friends Ken and Marie Karsnick. Esther loved the Wisconsin Badgers, especially attending Badger football games. Esther is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Don, and their five children: Barbara (Randy) Pope, David (Diane) Kamm, Jill Kamm, Joan (Richard) Hill, and Kurt (Cindy) Kamm. Grandchildren: Bryan (fiancé Callan), Gregory and Lauren Kamm, Jason (fiancé Krista) and Matt Pope, Elizabeth Joyce, Erik, Allison, and Sam Hill, and Kylie and Konnor Kamm. Great grandchildren: Eleiana and Gavin Pope. Also survived by sister in law Bernice McMahon and brother in law Bill Lewis and special friends Dave and Mary Remus. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Nielsen, mother in law Agnes(Julius) Kamm, sisters Ellen Lewis and Lily (Earl) Kuker, brother Holger Nielsen (killed in WWII) and sister in law Lois (Frank) Konecny. Esther is also survived by many loving nephews and nieces that were very special to her. Esther's family would like to thank her caregivers from Ridgewood Care Center: Jewel, Cynthia, and Reannyn who has become part of our family. Also Scott and Hugh and the nurses on 1 east. Thanks also to Gentiva- especially Melanie RN, Odyssey Hospice- especially Shalene, and Home Care Services and our wonderful caregiver Tuya. Memorial services honoring and celebrating Esther's life will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa St. on Monday November 8, 2010 at 11:00am with Rev. John Roekle officiating. There will be a memorial visitation at church on Monday from 9:00am until service time at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Evangelical Lutheran Church window or organ fund in Esther's memory would be appreciated.

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Esther Irene Kamm

August 23, 1927 - November 5, 2010