Esther Viola Funk McCauley Watkins, 91, of Fremont, passed away on May 5, 2019 in Neenah.
She was born on June 30, 1927 in Chicago Heights, IL to the late John C. and Florence (Bittner) Funk as their oldest child. She grew up on the family farm in Mokena, IL with her parents and two younger brothers. She enjoyed playing the organ, piano, and cello while in school. She attended Joliet (Central) High School. She married the late Thomas John McCauley on October 16, 1954 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran & Reformed Church in Frankfort, IL. After Tom passed, she married the late Forrest E. Watkins Jr. in Fremont. She was a joyous soul, always with a smile on her face. She enjoyed spending time with her dear family and friends, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her past hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, crocheting, playing cards, bird watching, raising chickens, attending church, and antique shopping.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, youngest daughter, Carol L. Swink, and two brothers, Ernest J. and John W. Funk. She is survived by her two daughters, Sue (Tim) Klobnak Sr., St. Charles, MO, and Cindy (Steve) Mutsch, New Lenox, IL. She is survived by six grandchildren: Christi Bilyeu, Adam Mutsch, Tim Klobnak Jr., Emily Stephenson, Jenna LaPlante, and Ethan Mutsch. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Alenah Bilyeu, Lucas LaPlante, Elizabeth Bilyeu, and Wyatt LaPlante. She is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Violet Funk and Ceil Brown, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate Esther’s life will be held Saturday, June 1 at Hope UCC, 8950 Alpine Rd., Fremont at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. for her WI friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hope UCC. A second memorial service will be held in Mokena, IL on Saturday, June 8th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 10731 W. LaPorte Rd at 10:00 a.m. with visitation before the service from 9-10 a.m. A graveside memorial will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Frankfort, IL following the service. Final interment will be in Rome, Indiana.