Esther Ann Grau
August 14th, 1939 - November 6th, 2024
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Esther's Obituary
Esther Ann Grau (née Ostrom), aged 85, passed away on November 6, 2024, in Stevensville, Michigan. Born on August 14, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, she led a life marked by devotion to her family, a passion for nature, and a commitment to her community.
Esther graduated from Berrien Springs High School, Class of 1957, and soon after began a career as a secretary at Whirlpool, where she was known for her diligence and warmth. While working, she met Julius Grau. She often mentioned what caught her attention were his manners and down to earth demeaner. They married September 17, 1960, which marked the beginning of a 64-year love story. She was so proud of the life they built and all they accomplished together.
Outside of work, Esther's life was filled with the joys of parenting and grand parenting, reading, friendships and the outdoors. She cherished time spent with her family, tending to her garden, observing birds and critters, and walking her dogs on trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Her love for John Denver's music often filled her home.
Her favorite pastimes included University of Michigan football, basketball and especially marching band, of which her son David, was a member. She loved helping her children prepare for and enter competitions & shows in the Berrien County Fair including various dachshunds and Laura training & winning with Mr. Magic Mark and Tony the Pony. Such proud mom moments.
Esther is survived by her loving husband, Julius Grau; children, David (Stephanie) Grau, of Tennessee; and Laura (Arthur) Petrie of Puerto Rico; grandchildren, William, Julian, and Langley Petrie, and Ian Grau; sisters, Grace Gleason and Pauline (Pat) Furner; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Julia Schlenker Ostrom and Carl Ostrom, and her brother, Carl Ostrom.
Esther's life was a testament to her loving nature and spirited dedication; she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A special thank you to all her doctors and nurses that assisted during her fight with cancer. A special thank you to Elara Hospice and Hanson Hospice Center for their compassionate care.
Services to honor Esther's life will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. The family invites all who attend to a luncheon, held on premises, soon after the service. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Esther graduated from Berrien Springs High School, Class of 1957, and soon after began a career as a secretary at Whirlpool, where she was known for her diligence and warmth. While working, she met Julius Grau. She often mentioned what caught her attention were his manners and down to earth demeaner. They married September 17, 1960, which marked the beginning of a 64-year love story. She was so proud of the life they built and all they accomplished together.
Outside of work, Esther's life was filled with the joys of parenting and grand parenting, reading, friendships and the outdoors. She cherished time spent with her family, tending to her garden, observing birds and critters, and walking her dogs on trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Her love for John Denver's music often filled her home.
Her favorite pastimes included University of Michigan football, basketball and especially marching band, of which her son David, was a member. She loved helping her children prepare for and enter competitions & shows in the Berrien County Fair including various dachshunds and Laura training & winning with Mr. Magic Mark and Tony the Pony. Such proud mom moments.
Esther is survived by her loving husband, Julius Grau; children, David (Stephanie) Grau, of Tennessee; and Laura (Arthur) Petrie of Puerto Rico; grandchildren, William, Julian, and Langley Petrie, and Ian Grau; sisters, Grace Gleason and Pauline (Pat) Furner; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Julia Schlenker Ostrom and Carl Ostrom, and her brother, Carl Ostrom.
Esther's life was a testament to her loving nature and spirited dedication; she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A special thank you to all her doctors and nurses that assisted during her fight with cancer. A special thank you to Elara Hospice and Hanson Hospice Center for their compassionate care.
Services to honor Esther's life will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. The family invites all who attend to a luncheon, held on premises, soon after the service. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
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