Esther Pudelko

Esther Pudelko, 94, Rothschild, died Monday, January 21, 2019 at the home where she lived for 68 years.    

She was born September 4, 1924 in Wausau to the late Walter and Annie (Zimbauer) Halminiak.  On August 28, 1948 she married Ted Pudelko at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wausau.  He preceded her in death on September 5, 2002. 

Although Esther worked as a secretary at Wausau Steel for 22 years, the “job” she was most proud of was that of stay-at-home mom.  Her family was her pride and joy, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed playing card games and other games with them and shared lots of love, fun and laughter with them. 

Among her favorite pastimes, Esther loved to read and cook, owning a library filled with cook books!  She enjoyed traveling, polka music and doing jigsaw, word and Soduko puzzles.  

She was a charter member at St. Mark’s Catholic Church and enjoyed working with Mary Ann K. on the funeral committee, serving lunches after funerals.  She was also a life member of the “Women of the Moose” at the Stevens Point Lodge and a member of the VFW Auxiliary. 

Survivors include her son David (Jackie) Pudelko, Rothschild, daughter Connie Pudelko, Hatley, four grandchildren Jeremiah (Jessica) Johnson, Joshua (Annie) Pudelko, Ryan Pudelko, Jessica Pudelko, six great-grandchildren Amiah Johnson, Ellie Pudelko, Taylor Pudelko, Bennett Pudelko, Alex Meyer and Asher Johnson, her sister Florence Jankowski, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Esther was preceded in death by her grandson Chad Johnson her sister Theresa Bednarski and her brothers-in-law Jerry Jankowski and Theodore Bednarski.

The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 25, 2019 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild.  Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside.  Burial will be in spring at St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee.  Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Friday until the time of services all at the church. 

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.