Esther B. Minderman Schleef was born on June 9, 1913 in Iroquois County, Illinois to Johann and Carolina 'Lena' (Seggerbruch) Koester. She passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 94 years 4 months and 1 day.

Esther was raised in Illinois and married Bill Minderman on January 30, 1946 in Cissna Park, Illinois. Together they raised three sons, Ervin, Paul and Allen. After Bill's death in 1970, Esther was united in marriage to Henry Schleef on May 6, 1973 in Syracuse, Nebraska.

She was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Syracuse, the WELCA and the V.F.W. Auxillary.

She is survived by her Sons: Ervin Minderman and wife Linda of Omaha, NE; Paul Minderman and wife Inez of Creighton, NE; Allen Minderman and wife Donna of West Bend, WI; Step-Daughter: Alice Markwalder of Beaverton, OR; Step-Sons: Art Schleef and wife Linda of Watseka, IL; Harold Schleef and wife Linda of Oregon City, OR. 6 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, Sister: Elenore Eggert Brother: Edward Koester. Also survived by numerous Step Grand Children and Step Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Bill Minderman (Nov. 23 1970), Husband Henry Schleef (July 2, 1989), Sisters: Amanda Schleef, Marie Koester; Brothers: John Koester and Albert Koester.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Syracuse, Nebraska with Rev. Paul Coen officiating.

Burial will be in the Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse, Nebraska.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 12th from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church or Linden View Assisted Living Center.

Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Syracuse, 269-2441