Catherine Essler

Catherine I. "Irene" Essler, age 95 of Sauk Centre, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 at the St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, due to complications of pneumonia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 3 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. James Statz officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

Catherine Irene Mayer was born May 9, 1915 in Padua, Minnesota to Ignatius and Helena (Kiffmeyer) Mayer. Catherine was united in marriage to Bernard "Ben" Essler on June 14, 1933 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Padua. Irene resided in Padua, Sedan, Elrosa and she lived in Sauk Centre since 1940. Irene was employed by the Sauk Centre Creamery, Fingerhut and the Red Carpet. Irene enjoyed crocheting afghans, crossword puzzles, and card playing.

Irene was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and Christian Mothers.

Survivors include her daughters Dorothy Tathwell of Cathedral City, CA, LaVonne "Vonnie" Ratcliff of Sauk Centre, Cheryl (Mike) Hanson of Ham Lake; sisters Rose Spaeth of Lino Lakes, Peggy Littlefield of Portland, Oregon, Marie Seitz of Albany and brother Francis Mayer of Sauk Centre; two grandsons, Craig Tathwell, Kirk (Charlotte) Tathwell; one great-grandson, Brett Tathwell and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years "Ben" on July 20, 1995; sons-in-law, Jack Ratcliff and Richard Tathwell; sisters Hilda Killeen, Leona Pfieffer, Cele Rohan and brother Clarence Mayer.

Serving as casket bearers will be Barry Walker, Harry Zenzen, Bob Essler, Tom Killeen, Paul Seitz and Duane Spaeth. Cross bearer will be Karen Olmscheid.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.