Esther Jane Gerdes was born on September 3, 1926, at the family home near Carnarvon, IA, to parents Gerd B. and Grace (Ohden) Gerdes. Esther attended rural school Viola #5 through 8th grade and graduated from Wall Lake High School in 1944. She attended one year at Buena Vista College and then taught rural school Viola #4 for two years.
On June 17, 1947, Esther married Henry A. Bielema at the First Presbyterian Church in Wall Lake, IA. To this union four children were born: Brian, twins Brenda and Glenda, and Nancy. After her children were all in school, she decided to go back to college. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education in 1967. She taught for the Lytton Community School District until her retirement in 1988.
Esther was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher and helped at Vacation Bible School. She was also active in Circle and Presbyterian Women. Throughout the years, she was a member of the Wall Lake Women’s Club, a charter member of the Wall Lake Lions, and was instrumental in the securing and restoration of the Andy Williams birthplace and the old Chicago and North West Depot. Historic things were of great interest to Esther; a hobby she spent a lot of time and effort on. She received several awards including the Outstanding Service Award for the Centennial Chairperson of Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for her dedicated humanitarian services from the Lions Club International Foundation; was awarded the Iowa State Fair Iowan of the Day, and the Member of Good Standing for 75 years award from the American Legion Auxiliary.
Esther was a loving, concerned and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who loved everyone. She was the epitome of a loving matriarch, a generous soul who selflessly gave her time and served as the steadfast rock her family could always depend on. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Brian Bielema, Brenda (Lee) Wilson, Glenda (Daniel) Andrews, and Nancy (Dennis) Leland; grandchildren: Shawn (Melissa) Flynn, Brandon (Brandie) Bauer, Heidi Bauer, Nathan (Natalie) Flynn, Derek Flynn, Douglas (Sara) Wilson, Matthew Wilson, and Lindsay (Jeff) King; great-grandchildren: Cora, Claire, Harper and Connor Wilson, Margaret Bauer, Jaron and Karli Flynn, Nick, Naomi and Nash Flynn, Noble, London and Eden Flynn, Kamryn Ross, Reagan and Wallace King, and Hayes Bauer; other extended family members and friends.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Bielema; parents Gerd and Grace Gerdes; siblings: Rionald (Annetta) Gerdes, Bert (Mavis) Gerdes, Annetta (John) Geerdes, and Helen (Cliff) Tank; parents-in-law Martin and Minnie Bielema; sisters-in-law: Kay Hummel, Marge (Cal) Frank, and Beth (Larry) Lindstrom.
