Esther (Johnson) Minett (1922 - 2016)

Esther Elizabeth Johnson was born April 12, 1922 in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She died Sep. 30, 2016 at her home in Paradox, CO. She was daughter of Oscar Alfred Johnson and Ethel Leona Merwin. She married Donald Emerson Minett on Oct. 10, 1942 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. They had 4 children:

1. Douglas Wayne Minett. b. Sep. 22, 1943, Madison, WI, m. February 28, 1965 Janet Lee Mikesell.
2. Gerald Laverne Minett.
3. Janice Kay Minett.
4. Dean Bradley Minett.

OBITUARY

ESTHER ELIZABETH (JOHNSON) MINETT
April 12, 1922 - September 30, 2016

Esther Elizabeth (Johnson) Minett was born to Oscar and Ethel (Merwin) Johnson, April 12, 1922, in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She grew up and spent her elementary and high school years in Madison, WI, enjoying many summers on her Johnson grandparents farm, near Stoughton.

In 1941 she met Donald Emerson Minett, and they were married October 10, 1942 in Richland Center, WI. To this union four children were born: Douglas W, Gerald L, Janice K, and Dean B.

Esther was a devoted homemaker and avid gardener and preserver of foods. When the last child was in school, she went to the local teachers college for two years, graduating with a teaching certificate. She taught elementary and high school classes for 13 years. She also spent three years as a girls dean in Christian boarding schools. Her experiences included a few years of cooking and various responsibilities at a vegetarian restaurant and a school.

She and Don lived in several different states and made many lasting friendships. The last 11 years were spent living with her daughter Janice, making meals, ironing, gardening and writing letters. This past year her health declined noticeably.

Esther passed to her rest, Friday, September 30, 2016 at her home in Paradox, CO, in the care of her daughter, Janice and granddaughter, Tonya (Dicken) Stephens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ethel, two brothers, Donald and Russell, husband Don, one daughter-in-law, Susan Minett, one son-in-law, Terry Dicken, one granddaughter-in-law, Melody Minett, and one great granddaughter, Kaylin Minett. She is survived by three sons and one daughter, Douglas (Janet) of Rosalia, WA, Gerald (Illona) of Portage, WI, Janice Dicken of Paradox, CO, Dean (Marcia) of Newberry, MI, and a friend accepted as an adopted daughter, Nancy (Duane) McEndree. Also, 9 grandchildren, Vernon, Terry, Yvonne, Tonya, Chad, Bradley, Darrin, Wesley, Lucas, 19 great grandchildren, and 5 great, great grandchildren.

Esther was buried beside Don, on the Dicken family farm in Egnar, CO on Sept 30th. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the red church in Paradox at 12:30 pm with a lunch afterward.

Donald and Esther on their wedding day.

Don and Esther Minett 2001. 1)

1) Thanks to Janet Minett for the information and pictures.