Esther Elsie Lindemann

Esther Elsie Lindemann, 102, of Gonzales — formerly of Cost — passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.  Esther was born May 11, 1916 in Needville to Michael Stehle, Sr. and Elizabeth Polichnai Stehle.  She married Elmar Arthur Lindemann on March 16, 1935 in his parent’s home in Cost and on his folks’ silver anniversary.

Esther grew up in Needville before she moved with her family to Rosenberg. She graduated from Cottonwood High School with the class of 1933.  Esther met Elmar Lindemann in Orange Grove and the courtship commenced culminating in a marriage that was blessed with 42 endearing years. 

Esther and Elmar lived on the family farm where they built a house to raise their two beautiful daughters.  Esther ran the household and cared for the children and helped Elmar farm and ranch the best she could. 

Esther has been a member of the Monthalia United Church since 1935.  She has remained active in the Women’s Society of Christian Services, originally known as Ladies Aid, for many years.  She had received a gold pin for forty dedicated years of service and still she continued to serve.  She attended church services regularly and participated in church related social events up to the time of her passing.  Esther was a wonderful cook and often baked delicious cinnamon rolls for her elderly friends and also to sell at church fund raising events along with her delightful lemon pies which frequently brought top dollar at the church auctions.

Esther was a loving and giving mother and she was a strong willed and independent woman.  She instilled a robust faith in Jesus Christ while raising her children.  Esther cherished her family and anxiously looked forward to the next time she could see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved to play dominoes, especially “moon” where she and her two daughters might play 30 games a weekend and sometimes late into the night. Esther at 100 years and older could still figure who was holding which dominoes while playing and would chastise her daughters if they played the wrong domino in their hand. Hers was a blessed and full life, not without sadness or trials, but a life well lived and lived abundantly. 

Esther Elsie Lindemann is survived by her loving family, daughters, Melene Carol and husband J.U. Dedear of Burnett, Jean Elaine Hanzalik of Cypress; grandchildren, Steven Dedear, Jeffrey Hanzalik, Curtis Hanzalik and wife Shelly, Timothy Dedear and wife Cindy, and Pamela Wagner; great-grandchildren, Laura Dedear, Dylan Long, Riley Dedear, Reese Dedear and Katherine Dedear.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a great-grandchild, Ashley Dedear; sisters, Martha May, Lena Milberger, Viola Jaster and Edna Olive; brothers, Michael Stehle, Jr., Herman Stehle, Charlie Stehle; and infant brother, Martin Stehle. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 in the Monthalia United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Monthalia Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers are Steve Dedear, Tim Dedear. Jeff Hanzalik, Curtis Hanzalik, Tony Hanzalik, J.U. Dedear and Dylan Long. Honorary pallbearers are Allen Fink, Gilbert Philippus and Clarence Bahlman. 

The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday evening at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.  In lieu of usual remembrances friends may make memorial contributions to the Monthalia Methodist Church. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhill funeralhome.com.  Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.