Esther Elizabeth Karner

Esther Elizabeth Karner peacefully returned to God on December 21, 2016. Although we mourn her leaving us, we do not grieve in the same manner as those who have no hope. She ran her race with endurance and she ran on the wings of God’s grace. Esther was born on November 29, 1932 in Independence, KS to John D. and Emma M. (Engelken) Lessmann. She had a strong faith, the heart of a servant, and a great love for her family. Esther was well loved in the community for her work with the elderly. She helped open the Senior Center in Midwest City by making numerous outreach calls. Esther also worked at the Candle Lake Senior Center in Oklahoma City and later enjoyed working with the elderly at the Autumn House in Midwest City. She was greatly loved by the residents. Esther was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she was involved in various groups and committees. Family was a priority to Esther and she and Walt hosted an annual week-long family reunion for the last 16 years. Esther was greatly loved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her faith and love of Jesus was evident in her gentle, compassionate spirit and her warm heart. Her consistent study of God’s Word and her prayer life gave her strength and wisdom. We will all miss her insights and teachings. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Karner; son, Blair Karner, great-grandchild, Stacia Allyn; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Survivors include her children, Pamela Allyn (Eric), Mark Karner (Carol), and Ruth Heard; grandchildren, David Allyn (Melanie), Philip Allyn (Courtney), Elisabeth Ohm (Trent), Catlin Bricker (Cory), Chad Karner (Ashley), Courtney Brown (Justin), Emily Heard, and Gavin Heard; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Walter Lessmann; and many other friends and family members who will miss her dearly. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with interment to follow at Arlington Memory Gardens. The family requests that memorials be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Midwest City Oklahoma.