Esther L. Sundberg

Esther L. Sundberg, 85, of Marion, went peacefully to be with her Lord on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. Kathleen R. Moore will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Surviving are her children, Dennis (Jean) Fritz of Columbus Junction, Gloria (Fred) Baker of Marion, Sandra Matheny of Cedar Rapids, David (Susan) Matheny of Solon, and Sherry Kubicek, Jeff Matheny and Michael Matheny, all of Cedar Rapids; stepchildren, Joyce Blum of Cedar Rapids and Janet (Karl) Auerbach of Utah; 24 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, James Fritz; stepchildren, Sharon Hanna and James Sundberg; one sister; and one brother.

Esther was born April 24, 1927, in Des Moines, the daughter of John F. and Dorothy (Sherwood) Smith. She graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids She worked for Penick and Ford for a short time before moving to Quaker Oats, where she worked from 1953 until her retirement in 1985. She volunteered reading to children in the Cedar Rapids and Marion schools. She was a member of the Swisher Unit 671 Legion Auxiliary and Faith United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed golfing and reading. Her greatest enjoyment was time spent with her family of whom she was very proud. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Esther’s honor may be directed to an organization benefiting veterans.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Esther’s family on the website, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 20, 2012.