On Sunday, April 9, 2023 Easter morning, Esther M. Blackmon, loving wife and mother died at the age of 89. Her strong faith in God sustained her throughout her life and lengthy illness with the assurance of eternal life, not because she was perfect, but because she trusted in a perfect Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her confession of faith and trust in God for the timing of her passing immediately following her terminal diagnosis, miraculously resulted in 9 ½ years of additional time. Esther's greatest passion was sharing eternal hope with others.

Esther was born in Kenosha, WI to Ernst and Babette Klees, immigrants from Germany. "Essie" was the youngest of 5 children. She was a proud graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha where she caught the eye of her high school sweetheart, Richard, while performing in the school play. She worked for the WI Telephone Company as a Service Representative until their marriage in 1954. Esther loved music and playing piano. She sang in school and church choirs, a women's barbershop quartet, and in church with Rich.

Her early life with Rich, as he served in the Air Force and pursued his career, confirmed that Esther was resilient and thankful for even the simplest things. This continued all the way to her final breath. A stay-at-home mom to their 4 children for 20 years, she then courageously obtained her real estate license and joined Rich in operating their own real estate and home building business in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Her detail-oriented skills at math and business management were vital to the success of their work together building numerous homes in the area. In addition, her relational skills, optimism and loyal support of Rich made them a perfect team in connecting with the community and church to create lasting friendships. Having previously lived in Sauk City in their early married life, Rich and Esther loved the area and resided nearby in the home they built together until shortly after his passing. Esther's organizational skills were also instrumental in Rich's completion of his airplane construction project following their retirement.

Together, they explored and enjoyed many trips to Door County creating lifelong memories. Esther was adventuresome, unassuming and easily pleased. Rich and Esther were inseparable. Their love for each other along with an amazing sense of humor created a lasting legacy of faith and devotion for their entire family. Flying with Rich, hiking in Devil's Lake to view blue herons while marveling at the wonder of God's creation, or simply sipping lemonade on their porch while viewing birds brought her so much joy. Upon his death in February of 2021, she sadly, but not hopelessly said, "There is no more Rich in Rich and Esther."

Esther was affectionate, expressive, sometimes goofy, and endearing. She loved reading books and sharing time with neighbors, family and her only sister, Margo. They loved collecting dolls and frequenting thrift shops together. The lasting memories created with loved ones were treasured by her until her dying day.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (Bill) Johnson who lovingly cared for her in their home for more than a year prior to her passing, Paul (Sandy) Blackmon, Linda (Alan) Vick and Jean (Tim) Dallman, her 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and several blended grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Ellen (Merle) LeMay and nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margo, and 3 brothers: Ernie, Al, and Art, as well as her husband, Rich of 67 years.

Special thanks to Dr. James Heun and his staff at SSM Health Specialty Clinic and Agrace Hospice. Memorials may be sent to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County, Friends of Devil's Lake, or Friends of Baraboo Zoo (Oschner Zoo).

A private family service will be held at a later date.