Esther Gauden, age 91, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. She was born in Chicago on January 18, 1917, the daughter of the late Francis Joseph Schmall and Regina Veronica (Busch) Schmall. She had seven sisters and one brother. Esther was a young girl growing up in the age of the Great Depression. She persevered through tough times and war times and it showed in how she valued the people in her life and generously gave of herself to others. Esther married Francis Gauden and resided in Chicago and then Streator, IL. She worked many years as a seamstress in Streator. Esther and her husband moved to Wisconsin in 1974. Some may remember her working in the lobby at the local Hardees/McDonalds restaurants in her retirement years. She spent many of the past years volunteering at the preschool in her church and spoke fondly of the children and the friends she made at Saint James Lutheran Church where she was a member. She gifted in cooking and baking which she enjoyed doing for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and neighbors. Esther was a devoted follower of Christ and it showed in her kindness and love toward others. We celebrate her time here on earth and know that the Lord (Luke 13:29) will prepare a wonderful feast for her as she did all her life for others. She is survived by her daughter, Sheldra (Paul) Moye of Sauk City; her son, George (Elaine) Gauden of Seatonville, IL; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and her siblings. At Esther's request there will not be a funeral service. A private memorial service will be held. Esther is much beloved by her family and will be greatly missed.