Stella C. Esker, 90, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at her home in Teutopolis, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:15 am, Monday at the church, in the St. Clare Hall. Memorial donations may be given to Effingham County Right to Life or to the Secular Franciscans.

Stella was born January 12, 1932 in Bishop Creek, the daughter of Allie and Catherine (Voss) Niemerg. She attended high school at the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Convent in Riverton. Stella married James "Jim" Esker on October 27, 1954 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bishop Creek and he preceded her in death in 2021. Stella was a member of St. Francis Church in Teutopolis, was a former officer with the Council of Catholic Women and the Secular Franciscans. She was a homemaker and babysat in her home for over 20 years. Stella also worked at Popcorn Treats & Other Eats for numerous years before retiring.

Stella is survived by her children, Kathy (David) Wall of Effingham, Jane (Gordon) Zuber of Teutopolis, Jim (Cindy) Esker of Teutopolis, Jerry (Lana) Esker of Charleston and Jean (Eric) Althoff of Effingham; sister, Rosie Schumacher; sister-in-law, LouAnn Niemerg; seventeen grandchildren, Holly (Nick) Burger, Alex Wall, Patrick (Julie) Zuber, Ben (Erica) Zuber, Brian (Toni) Esker, Brent (Kelly) Esker, Scott (Emily) Esker, Julie (Adam) Karstens, Michelle (Jordan) Gilland, Emily (Matt) Thompson, Blake (Janelle) Esker, Abby (L.J.) Welsh, Trent Esker, Courtney Esker, Nicole (Justin) Field, Ryan (Kayla) Althoff and Mallory (Luke) Doedtman; twenty-six great-grandchildren, with two more expected in 2023.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Aloys, Delbert, Harold, and Kenneth Niemerg; sisters, Alberta Niemerg and Virginia (Jim) Poeppelmeyer, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Stella's family would like to give a special thanks to SPS Home Care Services, Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice, and their caregivers for their compassionate and loving care for both, Stella and Jim.