Esther Norma Klettke

Esther entered eternal life on Friday, September 3, 2021 at the age of 90. Her spirit is carried on by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, one surviving sibling and an extended family of relations and friends nurtured from a long, well-lived life. She was born to Wilhelm and Clara (Koenig) Remien on October 8, 1930 in Kulm, North Dakota. Her early years were spent on a small farm, in a one bedroom house outside of Kulm. She attending a one-room rural schoolhouse until her family moved into town when she was in 8th grade. She graduated from Kulm High School in 1948, while working at The Kulm Cafe, and then at Hildebrands Locker Plant & Store. She later got a job at Kulm State Bank which she absolutely loved, and it turned out to be the start of a long career in banking. In 1950 she married Emil Klettke also of Kulm, and shortly afterwards purchased their first home. It was the first home she ever lived in with indoor plumbing. In 1958 they moved to Ephrata, WA where Emil had three sisters living. In 1959 she returned to work at Security Bank of WA where she remained for 18 years, and Grant National Bank for another 5 years. She took off 10 years in between while her children were small. She would remain in Ephrata for 61 years before moving to Puyallup, WA in 2020. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata that whole time and enjoyed her church family very much. Esther enjoyed baking, which she excelled at (ask anyone in her family) and cooking traditional German dishes which celebrated her heritage. She enjoyed travel, mostly in the form of road trips with her family and friends exploring most of the Western US and Canada. She always took great pride in her home and yard, even when it became hard for her to do so. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of her life in later years. We will remember her smile, her sweet tooth, conviction, and her love for life with family and friends, her children's friends, neighbors, and also colleagues and clients, many of whom over time also became close friends. Esther was proceeded in death by her husband Emil, brother William "Willy" Remien, and great granddaughter Esther Olivia Klettke, She is survived by her children Kevin (Jodi) of Tacoma, WA, and Sandra Davis (William) of Soap Lake, WA. A brother Donald Remien of Bellingham, WA. Five grandchildren, Andrew Klettke (Allison) of Snohomish, WA, Tara Craig (Tyler) of Covington, WA, Breanne Duff of Ephrata, Allison Duff of Seattle, WA, and Tressa Davis of Lynnwood, WA, Step-grandchildren Brooke Davis (B.J.) of Carnation, WA, Adam Davis (Caitlin) of Ephrata and Kylie Nichols (Brett) of London, England. Three great grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren. She made a difference in the lives of many. We invite you to join us and celebrate together. A brief graveside service will be held Saturday, September 25th, at 1:00pm at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Soap Lake, WA. Please dress comfortably. Service arrangements by Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Esther's memory may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Ephrata

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Esther Norma Klettke

October 8, 1930 - September 3, 2021