Esther Conroy

Esther was born January 3, 1917, in Roseau, Minnesota, daughter of the late Carl Fred and Esther Sophia (Olson) Nordin.  The family moved to Burnett County in 1920.  Esther attended public schools in Siren, WI, through her junior year. She then graduated from Frederic High School in 1935.  Esther then enrolled in the Grantsburg teacher training course and received her teaching certificate in one year. Esther taught all eight grades in the one room Jackson School from 1937 to 1946.  She also did the janitor work, stoked the wood fires, and cooked the hot lunches, all for $75 per month.  She also taught in Head Start Centers in Webster, Danbury, Siren, and at the St. Croix Tribal Center in Hertel.  She attended summer sessions at the University of Wisconsin--Superior, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree, and  continued her education through extension courses from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and the University of Wisconsin--Stout throughout her career.  She retired in 1979 so she could spend time with her grandchildren whom she dearly loved. On May 23, 1942, Esther was united in marriage to William James Conroy in Siren, WI.  Following their marriage, they moved to their farm in the town of Jackson where they raised four children.  William passed away on April 3, 1999. Esther was a long time, active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Webster, WI. She enjoyed music and poetry, and making holiday treats for family, friends, and neighbors.  Most of all she loved her family, especially children, children, children. Preceding her in death are her parents, Fred and Esther Nordin; her husband, William; brothers, Carl Nordin and Kenneth Nordin; sister, Anna Smith; and  foster children, Beulah and Jim Arbuckle. Esther is survived by her children and their spouses: Carol (John) Loyd, Dan (Maureen) Conroy, Mick (Dorothy) Conroy, and Casey (Ron) Peckham; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Megan (Dominic) Federighe, Dr. Kelly (Austin Lundeby) Conroy, Erin (Paul Kraus) Conroy, Lisa (Maury) Hooper, Kacie (Justin Bartlett) Conroy, Sean (Angie Quinn) Conroy, Kate (Tony) Roettger, Kinzie (Kyle) Kinnear, and Kimber Peckham; and eight great-grandchildren: Jacob and Molleigh Federighe, Hailey and Brock Conroy, Stella Hooper, Evie and Zane Roettger, and Callum Conroy. She is also survived by brother, Glenn (Mary) Nordin; sisters: Luella Monson, Hazel Keppen, and Betty Andersen; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families, other relatives and friends. The funeral service for Esther Conroy will be held at 11:30 am (visitation 9:30 to 11:30 am), Saturday, May 30, 2015, at Grace United Methodist Church, 26503 Muskey Ave. N, Webster, WI, with Pastors Tom Cook and Gilbert White officiating.  A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.  Interment will be in Jackson Cemetery.  Pallbearers are: Dominic Federighe, Maury Hooper, Justin Bartlett, Paul Kraus, Tony Roettger, and Kyle Kinnear. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 312, Webster, WI 54893, website:  www.umc4pt.com , or the Webster Education Foundation, 26428 Lakeland Avenue S, Webster, WI 54893, website:  websteref.org . Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.  Online condolences may be expressed at  www.swedberg-taylor.com .