Esther Knape

We were blessed to have Esther Knape in our lives for 93 years. Esther was born on August 28, 1919 in Galveston, Texas. She graduated as valedictorian in 1936 from Somerville High School in Somerville, Texas. Esther earned a degree in 1939 from the University of Texas at Austin and completed medical technology training at the UT Medical Branch in Galveston. While working as a medical technologist at the State Health Department Laboratory in Austin, she met and in 1948 married Franklin "Coke" Knape. Esther and Coke raised two children and Esther then had a second fulfilling career as a high school registrar at Austin and Reagan high schools for many years.

Following retirement in 1982, Esther kept busy with volunteer work in her church and at Brackenridge Children's Hospital. She enjoyed traveling, and avidly followed politics and sports. Her grandchildren and great grandson were her particular delight. She spent many hours tutoring them in their schoolwork and in the greater lessons of good character and gracious living.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Coke Knape in 1986. She is survived by her son Ben and wife Beth Knape, and her daughter Jan Skinner. Esther also is survived by grandchildren Jennifer and husband Nick Downing, Kelly Skinner, and Will Knape, as well as great grandson Isaiah John Downing. In addition, Aunt Esther is loved by many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705. A memorial service in celebration of Esther's life will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 West 15th St, Austin, TX 78701.

In her last year, Esther resided at Southern Hospitality Home in Austin. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff for their loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that any memorial contributions in honor of our mother's life be made to the charity of your choice.