M. Ruth (Kluck) Esslinger

M. RUTH (KLUCK) ESSLINGER, 92, of Fort Wayne, died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, 7:03 a.m., at Heritage Park. Born May 18, 1921, in Richland, Neb., she was a daughter of Ruth (Stevenson) and Earl Kluck. She was a homemaker, worked for Brudi Catering in the kitchen for five years, was a seamstress at Fort Wayne Developmental Center for 10 years, and volunteered at the Botanical Conservatory for three years. She attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Neb. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Homemakers Club and Alter Guild at Zion Lutheran Church. Surviving are her sons, Joel E. (Lora) Esslinger of Fort Wayne, Timothy G. (Lynette) Esslinger of Ossian, Michael J. (Meryl) Esslinger, John P. Esslinger and Mark R. (Mary) Esslinger, all of Fort Wayne, and Phil C. (Pat) Esslinger of Churubusco; daughters, Mary E. (Charles) Staley and Lois A. (Dave) Augustyniak, both of Fort Wayne; 31 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Alice (Ray) Wagoner of Columbus, Neb. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Erwin H. Esslinger, in 2002; daughter, Ellen R. Stilwell, in 1995; and sister, Rose Ann Jackisch. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, with calling from 10 to 11 a.m. Pastor Douglas Punke officiating. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Preferred memorials to Zion Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour.