Esther E. Gertsch

Esther E. Gertsch, 89, of Beaver Dam and formerly of Iron Ridge passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Beaver Dam.
Esther was born on April 10, 1935, in Juneau to Ferdinand and Edna (Heintz) Lauersdorf.
She was married to Paul Gertsch, who preceded her in death in 1997. She later married Harry Lieske, who preceded her in death in 2007. Afterwards, she was married to George “Joe” Lohneis, who preceded her in death in 2019.
Esther was employed with Piggly Wiggly in Mayville for 17 years until her retirement. Afterwards, she was employed with Lee Precision Inc in Hartford.
Esther was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam and formerly of St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Iron Ridge.
In her younger years, Esther enjoyed polka dancing. She enjoyed camping with her family and loved to sew and crochet.
Esther is survived by her sons, Ken (Karen) Gertsch of Beaver Dam and Leland Gertsch of Juneau; daughters, Linda (Curt) Polakowski of Hartford and Karla (Joseph) Tentler of Minnesota; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Planasch of Horicon and Lillian Steger of Cedarburg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Paul, Harry, and Joe; and her siblings, Edwin and Albert Lauersdorf and Ruth Fredrick.
A visitation was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Rev. Mark Reichert officiated. Interment took place St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Iron Ridge.
Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.