Esther was born to Andrew and Pauline (Kalmbach) Gackle, Sept. 24, 1918 in Watkins, MT. Her home ranch was 20 miles SW of Brockway, MT where her schooling began. In 1938 she graduated from Terry High School as salutatorian of her class. She attended Billings Business College, but work was scarce, so she came back to Terry as an NYA worker in the County Agent´s Office; plus did housecleaning and laundry for .10/hr. and cared for her 3 brothers who were attending school. Then she moved to Miles City, where she did office work for $56.00 a month. Many times she didn´t have food for a week. Sometimes some good people would come and take her out to eat "unbeknown to them that they were angels sent by God," she´d say.
In the beginning of WWII, she was called to Helena, MT as a file clerk in the State Unemployment Office then on to a Civil Service job with the Reconstruction Finance Co. of Helena. She was becoming very involved in the business world in Helena, and belonged to the Business Women´s Association, when her mother suffered a severe heart attack and pneumonia. Esther gave up her career and a promising future to go back to the ranch and care for her mother. This is how Esther lived her life. Her God and family always came before herself.
In 1946 she married Richard Kogele. They settled in Terry in 1949, where she´s lived since. They had 4 girls, Karen, Myrna, Joyce and Phyllis. Richard and Esther divorced in 1975.
Esther was a member of the Terry Wesleyan Church for over 60 years and served as treasurer, Sunday school teacher and as a mighty prayer warrior! In August of 1964 Esther became the business manager for the Prairie Community Hospital and retired in 1983. Then she managed the Senior Citizen Center in Terry, plus working for Action for Eastern MT and retired from these positions when she was 84.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Karen, a sister Elsie (Solomon) Lackman, three brothers, Erwin, Albert and Richard. She is survived by three daughters, Myrna Kogele of Terry, Joyce (Jim) Wilcox of Helena, MT and Phyllis (Loren) Sackman of Dickinson, ND, one grandson, Jonathen (Jody) Sackman and three great-grandchildren, Jayce, Gabe and Autumn, two step grandchildren, Shayne Wilcox and Lisa (Wilcox) Tehrani plus four great step grandchildren.
A prayer service will be held on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons in Terry, MT. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Terry, MT. Interment will follow in the family lot at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
To Esther Kogele’s Family: We were so sorry to hear of Esther’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you all.
Aliceann Carlton says
My sympathies to the family. I met Esther some years ago and found her love of family to be a reason to smile no matter what struggles any person might have.
Tom & Berny Buckingham says
Your mother was truly a godly person. We are so blessed to have known her. The Lord called home a saint.
Julie Kogele Gatlin says
To the family of Esther Kogele. So sorry to hear of Esther’s passing, but she is in God’s hands and he will take care of her. My prayers go out to the family.
Julie and family
Tim Kuehn says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Kitty Cutting says
What an angel! I enjoyed every minute of my few visits with Esther. God bless you all. She is watching over you.
Kitty
Tom and Barb Finneman says
The Kogele girls,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She will be missed by many. The memories that you cherish will help you get through this difficult time. Of course my best times with her were during softball–she was a great supporter. We are thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers.
God bless,
Tom and Barb
Janna Severson says
God has taken one of his earthly angels home. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to know Ester. My blessing indeed. My deepest sympathy to Myrna, Joyce, and Phyllis and their families. May the good memories remain with you forever. God Bless
Guy, Sandra and Melissa Moos says
Sincere sympathies to the family of Esther. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Annegret (Lackman) Sherrodd says
with my deepest sympathy to you all. God Bless.
Linda Black says
Dear Myrna, Joyce,& Phyllis,
Marcia let me know Aunt Esther had gone to heaven. She was a wonderful lady and we are so blest to have the Christian heritage passed on to us. There aren’t words to express the pain of losing your mother and my heart goes out to you–I pray God’s presence will be especially close to you during this time. With love, Linda Black
James Leonard says
Esther was one wonderful lady,when i came to terry she ran the Senior Center alwys treated me great .Sorry for your loss .James Leonard now in the Philippines
Sarah (Gackle) Manke says
Dear Cousins Myrna, Joyce & Phyllis,
It has been over a year since Aunt Esther went to her heavenly home. I loved her so much & was so sorry to find out much later that she was gone. My heart goes out to each of you & your families. I still grieve, but I pray that the Lord has given each of you the strength to carry on. Much love & prayers, Sarah Manke
joyce wilcox says
Hi mom, It’s your rebirth birthday. Today @ 9:50 p.m., 2 years ago, you left us to be with Jesus. And tho’ my body walks here on earth, my heart walks with you in Heaven. I miss you everyday and can’t wait to be with you forever. Thank you for leading us to Jesus, so we can spend eternity w/you. You are a smart woman and knew how to keep the family together forever. I will see you soon. Keep looking for me as I am for you. I love you w/all my heart.