Esther C King

Esther C. King, age 85, of Neillsville, WI, died on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI.Esther Clara Pretsch was born on April 14, 1928 in Clark County, WI the daughter of Fred and LaVeda (Selves) Pretsch. She graduated from Granton High School in 1946 and went to work at the Dime Store. She was united in marriage to Harry King on August 8, 1946 in Neillsville, WI. They both worked at the Quinell Fur Farm until they bought a dairy farm in 1952 where together they farmed and raised their family. Harry and Esther sold the family farm in 1976 and built a new home a mile away. Esther enjoyed gardening, card parties and Friday TV nights when all the neighbors would come over. She was known for kind heart and always taking care of others. She took care of her siblings when needed through the years and loved to watch her Grandchildren. She also babysat for a neighboring family. Esther was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville.Esther is survived by her husband, Harry, 5 children; Jerry (Lynn) King of Neillsville, WI, Jeanette King of Marshfield, WI, Mary (Eugene) Dux of Neillsville, WI, Jean (Ken) Nicks of Boaz, WI and Lori (Jim) Gentry of Winneconne, WI, 8 grandchildren; Travis (Karen) King, Brendt (Marilyn) King, EuGene (Karyn) Krause, DuWayne (Liisa) Krause, Michael (Rachel) Dux, Matthew (Brandi) Dux, Kate and Claire Gentry, five step-grandchildren; Tanya (Dan) Overlien, Jennifer (Cory) Fisher, Ken (Barb) Nicks Jr., Matthew (Janice) Nicks and Anthony Nicks, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She is further survived by 2 brothers, Earl Pretsch of Neillsville, and Jerry (Carol) Pretsch of Stratford, WI, 2 sisters, Marie Cardella of West Bend, WI and Arlene (Donald) Jelenek of Neillsville, WI.She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Richard and Walter Pretsch and 1 grandson, Eugene Krause.Funeral services for Esther will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Judith Anderson-Bauer will officiate. Providing music will be Kathy Meshnick, pianist. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., to 11:00 a.m., Thursday morning at the church. Interment will be in Neillsville City Cemetery.Casket bearers will be her grandchildren; Travis King, Brendt King, Eugene Krause, DuWayne Krause, Michael Dux, Matthew Dux, Kate and Claire GentryOnline Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Esther's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456