Esther M. Reetz, 94 of Oshkosh died October 5, 2004 following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
She was born at her home on Waugoo St. on February 23, 1910 the first daughter of Emil and Bertha (Schultz) Reetz.

Esther better known as Auntie, graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1927. She always dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, she put her dreams on hold to raise her sister, Dorothy after their father's early death.

Esther took a position as a secretary for the Department of Recreation in 1927 and worked there until her retirement in 1975. She still worked part time for the Recreation Department until 1987. Sixty years at the same job!

Auntie was proud of the Reetz Softball Complex named in her honor. She was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Esther was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Business Women's Club President, Mary-Martha Chairman.

Esther never married. Her sister Dorothy's children, Doralee (Toby) Bartelt Meyer, John (Jeanine) Bartelt, Robert Bartelt, and Carol Ann (Douglas) Nimke were her children. Auntie also is survived by seven great-nieces, nine great-nephews, five great-grand nephews and two great-grand nieces.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Erwin Bartelt.

Funeral Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 222 Church Ave., Oshkosh, on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 6pm with the Reverend Thomas McFarland Officiating. Family and friends may call at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 10, 2004 from 4pm until the time of the funeral service.

A scholarship fund has been established at the Oshkosh Foundation is Esther's name.

At this time Auntie's family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Parkview Health Center. They were so loving, kind and caring throughout Auntie's final years.