June L. Esau Obituary
Esau, June L. (nee Lester) of Franklin, WI. Born to life June 8, 1926, and to eternal life January 6, 2025. Dearest mother of Monica Zak (Al Dorn), David (Linda Andrews), Tom (Andrea), Melanie (Rick) Blaha, Jane (Tim) Thelaner and Paul. Proud Grandma of Laura (Ryan), Kevin (Rachel), Matthew, Michael, Megan (Mitchell), Stephanie and Kyle. Treasured great-grandmother of Brandon, Jonathan, Gaven, Lincoln, Warren, Amaya, Wendolyn, and Lilah. Preceded in death by her loving husband Charles, parents George and Rowena, siblings Marianna, Harriet, Lois and George, and son-in-law Steve. Survived by dear sister-in-law Ruth Lester, her beloved cat and companion, Phronsie, cherished nieces, nephews and friends she held dear in her 98 years on this earth.
June was a quiet, yet ambitious woman who loved cats, enjoyed history, gardening, reading, playing cards, classical music and playing the piano and organ. Her sewing and painting creativity was evident throughout her home where she found joy in decorating and surrounding herself with beautiful things. She had a witty sense of humor and enjoyed word play. Originally from Des Plaines, Illinois, June attended Town of Maine High School and St. Mary's Academy. After high school, she entered St. Mary's Priory Benedictine Convent in Nauvoo, IL. Though she left the convent without taking final vows, she remained deeply religious for the rest of her life. June had a strong work ethic and held various secretarial positions in downtown Chicago before marrying Charles in 1953 and moving to Milwaukee. Even while raising a family, and without any prior experience, she and Charles bought and operated a quaint, historic housekeeping cottage resort in the Door (WI) peninsula. Together with their six children, she managed the cottages and rentals over the summer months. There on the shores of Kangaroo Lake, the family made countless new friends and cherished memories. She also found time to volunteer at her children's schools as a Cub Scout leader, working the fish fries at St. Therese, the annual holiday bazaar at St. Bernard's, and the auctions at Marquette High School. As her children grew older, June returned to work as an administrative professional, retiring from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Following retirement, she and Charles made their winter home in Sarasota, FL for 20 wonderful and relaxing years before returning to Wisconsin. She and Charles enjoyed traveling and attending many reunions with old friends. Though she endured chronic pain, she endeavored to be cheerful, always asking how YOU were doing. June died wrapped in love, and in the comfort of her own home, the way she so desired.
Mass of Christian Burial at noon on Saturday, February 1st, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 734 N. Glenview Ave, Wauwatosa. Visitation from 10:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary Monastery Sisters Retirement Fund or the Wisconsin Humane Society would be appreciated.
Our heartfelt thanks to her "precious" Shana, who provided attentive and compassionate care in her final days, and to the caring community of friends at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake.
Gone to rest with the angels, always here in our hearts.
