Esther L. Martens Storck

Esther L. (Martens) Storck was born February 11, 1909 in rural Churchville / Martensdale, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick W. and Anna (Russ) Martens. She was baptized at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Churchville and in 1915 the family moved to a farm 10 miles north of Winterset. She was confirmed in 1923 at the Trinity Lutheran Church by Pastor C. Lilie. Esther graduated from DeSoto High School in 1927. She was united in marriage to Van B. Storck on March 29, 1953 at the Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. C.G. Meyer. Survivors include her sisters-in-law, Gladys Martens of Winterset, Lucile Martens of Lakeland, Florida, many nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, great-great nieces/nephews, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Van; and eight brothers, John, Louis, Fred, William, Clarence, Grant, Arthur, and Irvin Martens. Esther worked at Graham’s Studio as a photo tinter technician. This artistic talent was further expressed through her egg decorating, cross stitch, sewing, and furniture refinishing. She also worked for Winterset Seed and was a dedicated caregiver to her parents. Esther was a Ladies Aid member and volunteered much of her time at the Trinity Lutheran Church. She was church organist/pianist and Sunday School teacher. Esther also enjoyed flower gardens. Esther died Sunday, September 30, 2007 at the Winterset Care Center North in Winterset. She was 98. Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday with family present to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., October 2, 2007 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset, Iowa Service: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday October 3, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church, near Van Meter, Iowa. Memorial: Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Winterset Care Center North Activity Fund, and/or Middle River Hospice of Winterset.