Submitted by: Dan Rich

Esther E. Schelstraete

Nov. 14, 1912 - Oct. 14, 1999

South Bend Tribune 10/16/1999

Esther E. Schelstraete, 86, of West 13th Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 4:33 a.m. in Miller's Merry Manor, Wakarusa, Ind., after an illness. Mrs. Schelstraete was born on Nov. 14, 1912, in Bremen, Ind., as the daughter of the late Daniel and Myrtle (Barge) Laser. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann Schelstraete on Nov. 1, 1961; and by a sister, Fern Tharp.

On Dec. 25, 1936, in Bremen, as the former Esther Laser, she married Oscar Schelstraete. Mrs. Schelstraete is survived by her husband of 62 years, Oscar; a daughter, Janet (James) Lifke of Santa Claus, Ind,; three grandchildren, Jill Ellis of Birmingham, Ala., Janice Witherow of Heron, Ohio, and Steve Lifke of Akron, Ohio; and by three great-grandchildren, Laura Ellis, Emily Ellis and Claire Lifke.

She was a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital, Mishawaka. Mrs. Schelstraete was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, a member of the Rosary Society of St. Joseph Catholic Church, as well as a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church Women's Nine Hole Golf League, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Firemen and also an Honorary Member of the Columbian Members.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St., Mishawaka, IN 46544, or to the charity of the donor's choice.