Esther Soley found peace Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the Villa Pines Living Center in Friendship, Wisconsin where she has lived for the last 12 years.
Services will be held Sunday, June 7th at Roseberry’s Funeral Home with Pastor Terri Skidlum officiating. Friends and family are invited to a viewing from 10:00 am until the service. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon. Burial will be in the East Arkdale Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale.
Esther was proud to be a lifelong resident of Adams County. She was born March 25, 1926 to Walter and Rose Bagneski. She attended Adams Friendship High School. After High School she attended St. Mary’s nursing School in Milwaukee graduating as a registered nurse.
Esther married Gordon M. Soley on October 8, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Cathlolic Church, Adams, WI. They were blessed with five children. Aletta, Greg, Scott, Bernetta (Bernie), and Glenn.
Esther and Gordon owned and operated a dairy farm in Arkdale. Esther was proud to be a farmer and took great pride in helping with the milking chores and those Guernsey cows. She remained on the farm until November of 2003 when for health reasons she went to reside at the Villa Pines Living Center. While a resident at the Villa, Esther became very involved in the activities offered there. She enjoyed Bingo, church services, reading, and visiting with staff and friends. Esther became known as the “unofficial” historian of Adams County. If you wanted to know anything about Adams County and it’s families you could just ask Mom and she would probably know. In her later years Esther was a diehard sports fan cheering on her favorite teams; the Badgers, Packers and the Brewers.
Esther was the last living child of Walter and Rose Bagneski. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Soley; parents, Walter and Rose Bagneski, her siblings; Ralph Bagneski, Alfred Bagneski and Dorothy Bagneski Poetter.
She is survived by her children: Aletta (Robert) Grabarski, Greg (Terri) Soley, Scott (Karen) Soley, Bernetta aka Bernie (Dave) Roggenbauer and Glenn Soley.
Grandchildren: Kristin(Mark) Johnson, Dan(Heather) Grabarski, Michael Soley, Eric (Ashley) Soley, Toby (Holly Neumann) Soley, Todd (Katie)Soley, Tim(Keeli) Soley, Sara (Craig) Herrell, Laura (Karl) Biermann, Nathan Soley, Nicole Soley and Valerie Soley.
Seven Great Grandchildren: Bret, Madi and Kacy Johnson, Ryan Grabarski, Lyla Soley, Jordan Herrell, Evelynn Biermann and twin great grandbabies due anytime now soon to be born to Tim and Keeli Soley. She had hoped to be here when they arrived but God saw she needed rest and called her home.
Further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Esther’s family wishes to thank the Villa Pines Staff and especially the 200 wing staff for the loving care they gave Mom all these years. Words cannot express how grateful we are that she was loved and cared for by her “Villa Pines Family.”
Memorials may be made in Esther’s name to the Villa Pines Living Center.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Ms. Soley. Condolences to the Soley family.
Sorry for your loss you are in our prayers
Dillon and I had a grandma, Shirley Tomlin, who was in the nursing home with Ester. They were roommates. When we went to see grandma, we all ways brought fruits and Nutella, and we always have her some. She was am extremely strong support before grandma passed. She will dearly be missed.
We send our deepest sympathies to the Soley families. In my recent visit I so enjoyed hearing of your Mom’s days at Villa Pines. We are certain she leaves many loving, happy memories for you to cherish. Our thoughts are with you.
We are thinking of you
We are in Phoenix so will not be able to attend the service.
Esther was a remarkable person and will be missed by all that knew her. She was so pleasant to visit with and shared stories about our community. She raised a wonderful family that I was fortunate to grow up with as friends. That family is her proud gift to all of us.
We are thinking of you. However, we are in Phoenix so will not be attending the services.
I have very fond memories of working on the farm as a kid…Gordy and Esther were always so kind and treated all of us as their own. .my condolences to the entire Soley family. ..
My sincere sympathy to the whole Soley family,when Bert hauled milk cans for Marti’s we used to get to visit once in awhile,We also used to bowl couples with Karen&(teacakes)Scot those were the good old days. Stay close as a family and remember the good times. I and my family send our prayers to all.
We were so sorry to hear about your mother/grandmother. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, you can tell she must have been a remarkable woman – just look at the wonderful legacy she has left behind! Please know that we are thinking of you all during these difficult days.
Sorry for your loss.
To the Soley Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers to all of you.
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to your family.
I enjoyed taking care of Esther while I worked at Villa Pines. She could always tell me things about my family I didn’t even know 🙂 and how she could remember everyone was amazing! She was always so caring and loved to talk about anything and everything. I loved always being able to ask her who was winning the Brewers games.
Sorry for your families loss, she was an amazing women who I will always remember.
To the Soley Family, Thoughts and Prayers. I have fond memories of Esther and the farm house.
Sympathy to your family. So sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy to all of you, your Mom was a gentle and very kind person. God will help you during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family . Bernie , hold your memories close
as God is now holding your mother close . God bless you all .
To all of the Soley family we wish to send you our most heartfelt sympathies during this most difficult time. We know there will be many sad times ahead but look upon your memories to help find peace. Our prayers and hugs to you all. Wendy, George and Tyler.
To the Soley family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Saying a prayer and thinking of you all. God’s comfort~
Bernie,Aletta,Scott, Greg, Glen and families, Esther will forever be in my heart. She was a “Grandma ” to me in so many ways. I have adored her since I met her 12 years ago. She was always full of smiles and laughter and joy. I’m glad she is at peace and finally back with the love of her life. She holds a special place in our hearts and I will never forget her.
We are thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Bernie, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My prayers are with the entire family at this time. I just lost my mother last month at almost 98 years old so I know the pain, but we have all the wonderful memories. God bless you all. Judy bieri
You have my Deepest Sympathy. Her memories will hold a special place in your hearts.
Dear Soley Families,
I was sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. I know you all have wonderful memories to keep in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
My condolences to the Soley family for the loss of your mother.
So very sorry for your loss, all your family and friends…memories live on forever & not a day will pass without a thought or reminder…god bless…
We are thinking of all of you. It is so sad to lose all the wonderful Arkdale neighbors. We were blessed to grow up with such great people and families. Lots of memories growing up. Take Care, God bless all of you. Our prayers are with you. Love Cathy
Esther lived a good long life. We can all wish for the same. Our sympathy to the entire family.
Our Deepest Sympathy sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathies to the entire Soley Family, your are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry we will not be able to give our condolences in person as we will be away, thinking of you.
So sorry for the loss of your Mother our prayers to your families. May she rest in peace.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the comfort you need at this time. It will be memories , love and support from family and friends that your mom’s legacy will live on and give you peace.
To the Soley Family, We are so sorry for your loss, of your Mom. Please know that we thinking of all, and praying for comfort and peace.
Thinking of you all during this sad time….
Sincere condolences & sympathy to the Soley family. She is now with her beloved husband, siblings & relatives in God’s house. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss, please know that we are here for you if you need anything.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May peace be with you all at this time.
So sorry on the loss of your Mother. MAY God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. RIP ESTHER
Our prayers are with you. May she rest in peace.
Family of Esther Soley,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Your Mom will forever remain close in your heart with the fond memories she has left behind. God Bless you all…..
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember meeting your mother when I worked at the hospital and she would tell me stories about her high school days with her best friend , my mother Norma Golden.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your mother and grandmother. I am sure there are loving memories of all of the great lessons she taught you over the years. Be sure and enjoy the good things that she shared with you.
Your Mom was a great woman and strong woman. May God be with you during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Sorry for your lost
I enjoyed taking care of your mother when I was at Villa Pines
I will miss her a lot she was a wonderful person to talk to and take care of
I did see she when I was in town in Oct. of last year and she looked good then
she is now at peace and she is with god now
I will never forget her
I will keep her in my prayers and the family too