Esther Delores (Paulson) McConnell, age 94, of South Wayne passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Monroe Health Services. She was born October 30, 1928 to Alvin and Helga (Ulstrud) Paulson. She was a 1947 graduate of Argyle High School. Esther married the love of her life Elwood McConnell on September 29, 1951 at Yellowstone Lutheran Church in Argyle; they shared 57 years together until his passing in 2008. They farmed for 10 years in Wiota, and then moved to South Wayne.

Before she was married, she worked for The Monroe Evening Times. She later worked at Pleasant View Nursing Home for 19 years, after raising her family.  She was a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Wayne; she was a past Sunday School teacher, choir member, and President of the Ladies’ Aid. She enjoyed singing throughout the years with her husband. She loved her family, her church work, and all her kids’ activities. She enjoyed being with her family, playing bingo, and singing.  After her retirement from Pleasant View, she cared for Savanna Kaster for several years, and they still remained very close.

Esther is survived by her children, Mary Lou (Jana Coomer) McConnell, Bruce (Lani) McConnell, Kathy (Bob) Sasena, and Phil (Regina) McConnell; grandchildren, Magan (Jeremal) Childs, Ashley (Xavier) McConnell, Lindsey Waggoner, Bella and Sophie McConnell; step-grandchildren, Nicole Miller, Tim (Jaci) Coomer, Nicole and Michele Sasena; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Elijah, Xael, Huxley, Ada, Hallie, and Olive; and many nieces and nephews, a special niece, Vicky Miller and family; and dear friend, Eunice Bergum.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elwood; son, Dan; sister, Irene (Paul) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Grace (Harry) Salathe, Marian (Murry) Schwartz, June (Irv) Bartels, and Dorothy (Dick) Sauer.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in South Wayne with Pastor Dennis Perger officiating. Burial will follow service in Union Cemetery in South Wayne.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00AM until the time of service at the church.

Esther’s family would like to thank the staff of Monroe Health Services and St. Croix Hospice for the care and love given to Esther.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.