Esther J. Theilen

Esther Jean Theilen, 92 of Chatham passed away on September 29, 2021 at her residence. She was born on Friday September 13, 1929 on Carolina Ave. in Springfield the eldest daughter of William and Clara Kochman (nee Shimanski).

Esther was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and graduated from the school. In 1947 she graduated from Lanphier High School. After working briefly for the telephone company, she married Herbert G. Theilen on February 14, 1954.

They raised four children: John, Cynthia, Donna, and Glenn. For over 60 years Esther was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran in New Berlin. In church activities she would chauffer school children to various activities. Participated in the Mary & Martha Women’s Guild, worked on the Banner Committee and also was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

Esther was an excellent baker. Always ready to share her finished results of cookies, pies, cakes, and other treats with family and friends alike. She spent many hours sewing clothes for family members and taught the skill to her daughters. She crocheted many afghans, and at least one special one for each child, grandchild and great-grandchild. She quilted pillows, bedspreads and other items for family and friends. This talent would be shared with members of the Land of Lincoln Quilters.

Family was a very special blessing for Esther as she gave more love than she received.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Herbert, daughter Donna Mapes, brothers: Raymond, Arnold, Charles and William. Brothers in law: Robert Hazlett, Orville Ladage. Sister in law Verna Kochman along with various uncles, aunts and cousins.

Esther is survived by three children: John (Janet) of Springfield, Cynthia (Mark Ushman) of Springfield, and Glenn of Chatham. Five grandchildren: Joshua (Rebekah), Clara Ushman, Diedre (Chris Lemon), Jessica (Jason Bangert) and Christina Ushman. Seven great-grandchildren: Ethan, Elianna, Judua, John, and Joshua Theilen, Courtney and Kyla Bangert. Two brothers: Herbert and Gerald (Kris). Three sisters: Dorothy Ladage, Janet Hazlett, and Carol (Ron Oldani). Sister in law Betty Kochman. Too many cousins, nephews and nieces to list.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, with burial to follow at Chatham Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00pm-7:00pm Monday October 4, 2021 at Bisch West. CDC guidelines will be followed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Martha Guild at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Berlin and please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.