Esther M. Elmer, age 94 of Monroe, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Community Living Home Options in Monroe. Esther was born July 26, 1921 in Lafayette County, the daughter of Herman and Louise (Karlen) Brecklin. She attended Cherry Branch Rural School in rural Argyle and graduated from Monroe High School in 1940. She graduated from Green County Normal School in 1942 and earned a Masters degree in Education from U.W. Platteville in 1964. Esther taught in Green County Rural Schools until 1964 and then taught fourth grade at East School and Abraham Lincoln Elementary until retiring in 1985. She married Robert J. Elmer on June 8, 1943 at the East Wiota Lutheran Church. Esther and Robert farmed in Jefferson Township until he died in March, 1994. Esther was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ and the Mary Circle, Retired Educators, The Richland Creek Watershed, and a charter member of the ADK Omicron Sorority and The Twin Grove Homemakers.

She is survived by a sister, Gladys (Otto) Schild of Monroe; a sister-in-law, Betty Elmer of Brodhead; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Erma (Simon) Anderson and Wilma (Irven) Hansen; and three brothers, J. Edward (Alice), Glenn (Mary), and Gail (Frances) Brecklin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John's United Church of Christ, Monroe, with Rev. Todd Hackman officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Juda. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials are suggested in Esther's name to the Monroe Excellence in Education Fund or St. John's UCC. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.