Esther Marie (Bauer) Koerperich, 77, of Hiawatha, Kansas passed away Monday, May14th, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home.

 She was born July 1st, 1940 in Dawson, Nebraska to Roy and Stella (Krenzel) Bauer. Esther attended rural Hiawatha schools and graduated Hiawatha High School in 1958. After school she worked at the 5 and Dime, Chief Theater and the Egg Plant before going to work as an operator for the United Telephone Company and holding several positions for 20 years. She worked at the Brown County Appraisers Office and became the county Appraiser. Esther then started daycare in which the children she babysat became more like extended grandkids. She loved everyone of them dearly. After numerous years Esther became a teller at the Golden Eagle Casino where she retired. Esther was also an Avon Lady for the last 24 years. She loved the time getting out seeing customers and friends.

Esther was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was devout in her faith. Esther enjoyed being a wife to her one true love, Virgil. Together they led their family by example. They enjoyed motorcycling, camping, boating, and fishing trips. They were members of The Traveling Teepees. Esther enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and aunt. She could usually be found in the stands or in her chair at her grandkid’s ballgames. She liked Cardinals baseball and KU basketball and would often call to remind others that a game was about to start on television. Esther enjoyed time with her siblings playing cards and always looked forward to the 4th of July family reunion.

Esther married Virgil Koerperich July 7, 1967. Virgil preceded her in death in 1993. Also preceding her in death are her parents;  brothers Donald and John Bauer.

She is survived by her children, Kim (Debbie) Koerperich of Skiatook, OK, Kenneth Koerperich, Michael (Kyndl) Koerperich and Jodi Lee all of Hiawatha, KS. Grandchildren: Suzanne, Kristopher, Ann, Joshua, Krista, Delaney, Alisha, August, Marissa, Myriah, Lottie and a grandson due in August. Great Grandchildren: Alexander, Ella, Katherine, Sylvie, Eloise. Brothers: Harold “PeeWee” (Carol), Darrell (Sara), Harlan, and Arlan (Debbie); sister Darlene Covert ;and and Sister-in-laws Lamonia and Leona Bauer as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

A Celebration of Esther’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, May 21, at the Zion Lutheran Church, with  Pastor Mike Dunaway officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Corning.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet friends from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missy Newell Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com