Esther Christine (Balsiger) Gobeli, age 102, of Monroe, died Saturday, March 15, 2025 at her home. Esther was born on November 28, 1922 in Monroe, the daughter of Christ and Anna (Marty) Balsiger. She grew up on a farm in Spring Grove Township and graduated from Monroe High School in 1941. After high school, Esther styled hair at the Antoinette Beauty Shop in Monroe and was a member of Turn and Schwing. She was united in marriage to Fred Gobeli on January 18, 1946 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. The couple farmed in the Juda area raising cows, chickens, hogs, sheep, and tended to a large fruit orchard. Esther worked very hard on all aspects of farming, especially caring for the animals. During this time she gave birth to three boys, Curtis, Richard, and Eugene. Eugene passed away as an infant. Esther and Fred retired from farming in March, 1978 and moved to Monroe. Following her retirement, Esther was very handy with a thread and needle. She made many crochet dollies, beautiful quilts, and cross stitched linens.
She is survived by two sons, Curtis L. (Kathleen) Gobeli of Lake Elmo, MN, Richard A. Gobeli of Sturtevant, WI; six grandsons, Paul, Michael (Jessica), Mark (Renee), Uwe, Jeffrey (Jennifer), Jean; four great grandchildren, Marija, Judah, Adelyn Rae, and Henry Gobeli. She was preceded in death by her father, Christ; mother, Anna (who lived to be 111); husband, Fred, on May 22, 2010; great granddaughter, Allison in 2011; two sisters, Evelyn and Florence; and two brothers, Leon and Albert.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, with Pastor Christina Schoenwetter officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, followed by a luncheon at St. John’s Church. Visitation will precede the service on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. A memorial fund will be established in Esther’s name for St. John’s Church. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
The family would like to thank Kathy, Adrionna, and Brittany of Joyce’s Home Care for their compassion and support.
