Esther Wenger

Esther Wenger of Mandan passed away on April 23, 2020, the morning of her 90th birthday at Prospera Community on Sunset Drive, Mandan.­­

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, June 19, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan with burial at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Esther Chyles was born April 23, 1930 to Bill and Ann (Dvoracek) Chyles in Mandan.  She grew up on the farm south of Mandan and went to country school through the eighth grade.  At a very young age Esther began working as a cook at Vi’s Café.  She worked as a cook for many years including at the Mandan Elks Club and later for Mandan Public Schools.

On January 29, 1949 she married the love of her life, Edward Wenger.  They made their home in Mandan where they shared 51 years together and raised their family.  Esther and Edward loved to dance and go on fishing trips.  She was known for having a huge garden and loved to can her produce.  Her favorite times were spent with family, especially at the family picnics.

Esther was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Mandan since 1982 and held office for nine years. She was Mrs. Eagle in 1992 and in 2009 as well as being named Mother of the Year in 2002.

She is survived by her loving children, Ron Wenger, Mandan, Julie (Roger) Schaff, Bolingbrook, IL, Loretta (Richard) Paul, Grand Forks, Westley (Pam) Wenger, Bismarck, Cindy (Steve) Wember, New Leipzig, and Sherrie (Jerome) Johnson, Mandan; son-in-law, Bruce Zander, Mandan; along with 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward, in 2000; daughter, Carla Zander; and her siblings, Vi Dietrich, Ann Popelka, Lillian Lantz, infant sister Marie, Bill Chyles, and Frank Chyles.