Esther Hennecke

Esther E. Hennecke, 89, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

She was born Dec. 10, 1923, in Tilsit, to Gustav T. and Carolina Lydia Burgfeld Best. She and Alvin E. Hennecke were married Nov. 22, 1942, in Cape Girardeau. They had been married 62 years when Alvin passed away Jan. 4, 2005.

Esther was raised in Tilsit and Gordonville and attended the former Oak Grove Grade School between Jackson and Gordonville. She was a longtime faithful member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

She worked 28 years at the former International Shoe Co. in Jackson. Esther's family remembers her as an outstanding baker and a proficient seamstress. At one time, she made several pillowcase dolls for gifts to friends, and they are now in homes around the world. She enjoyed playing cards, was an avid gardener and often canned her produce.

Loving survivors include three children, Leon (Janice) Hennecke of Oran, Mo., Wanda (Russell) McCampbell of Columbia, Mo., and Brenda (John) Smith of Festus, Mo.; three grandchildren, Dennis Hennecke of Cape Girardeau, Larry Hennecke of Fruitland and Emily Smith of Festus; a brother, Marvin (Verna) Best of Gordonville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Wilbert (Marie) Best and Cora (Clarence) Oberbeck.

Friends may call from noon until time of service Saturday at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Emanuel United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.