Esther Gengler

The Mass of Christian Burial for Esther Gengler, 89, Dickinson, will be at 10 a. m. , Saturday, March 3, 2007, at St. Joseph?s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Amalraj Roche celebrating. Interment will be in St. Joseph?s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. , Friday, March 2, 2007 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a rosary and prayer service at 7 p. m. led by Deacon Ralph Stockert. Esther passed away Monday, February 26, 2007 at St. Benedict?s Health Center, Dickinson. Esther (Scholastica) Hopfauf was born November 14, 1917 in Dickinson, ND to Hilary and Catherine (Dietz) Hopfauf. She grew up and attended grade school at St. Joseph?s Catholic School and attended St. Joseph?s Catholic Church all of her life. Esther sang in the church choir for over 50 years. She married John F. Gengler on September 26, 1938 at St. Joseph?s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They made their home in Dickinson, where they lived and raised 14 children. In her earlier years, she sang in German musicals performed at the St. Anthony Club. John and Esther belonged to The Germans from Russia Society and enjoyed many dances and gatherings. Esther attended many political functions with John, who was a State Legislator. In her spare time, Esther especially loved watching her favorite musicals; The Sound of Music and Dr. Zhivago. She was blessed with good health throughout her life and enjoyed her large vegetable and flower gardens. She also took pride in canning and sewing for her family. Esther was a wonderful baker and made the most delicious homemade chicken noodle soup. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and delighted in playing German Polka music while they danced around. She and her family were grateful to all the people at the St. Benedict?s Nursing Home who helped care for her during her stay there. Our mother touched many lives throughout her lifetime and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Esther is survived by her children: John (Mary) Gengler, Richardton, Kathleen Reisenauer, Dickinson, Fred (Shirley) Gengler, Dickinson, Claudia Zimmer, Omaha, NE, Paula (Roger) Cymbaluk, Williston, Ann (Van) Barker, Sioux City, IA, Mark (Deborah) Gengler, Albany, OR, Esther Mary Gengler, Dickinson, James (Mary) Gengler, Ft. Rice, ND, Timothy (Patti) Gengler, Dickinson, Robert Gengler, Dickinson, Chad (Cathy) Gengler, North Glenn, CO, Mel Gengler, Sheridan, WY, and Belinda (Bill) Suter, Beulah, ND; 29 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one brother, Hilary (Josephine) Hopfauf, Jr. , Dickinson. She is preceded in death by: her husband, John F. Gengler; parents; Hilary and Catherine Hopfauf; four sisters, Veronica Hopfauf, Phyllis Whipf, Mary Safratowich, and Barbara Tooz; two sons-in-law, Pete Reisenauer and Gene Zimmer, and one granddaughter, Johnna Gengler.


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Burial Date: March 3, 2007
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Saturday, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson