Esther S. Hayes

Esther S. Hayes, 96, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017 with her devoted daughter by her side, at the Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility. She was born on March 29, 1921 in Beresford, S.D. to Rev. Erick and Selma (Judd) Espelien. She married James Hayes on August 30, 1942 in Madison, WI. They were married by her father at 2 o’clock in the morning. Esther had worked at UW-L for over 20 years before retiring. She loved to travel all over the world and shopping at her favorite store. She enjoyed playing bridge and mah jongg with friends, creating stained glass, making rugs, doing Norwegian handiwork and ceramics. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and cousin.

She is survived by a daughter Kathryn Swanson of West Salem, WI, a brother Emerick (Joyce) Espelien of Fitchburg, WI, nieces and nephews, Paul, Jane, Karen “Pat”, Carolyn, Debra, David and James. She was preceded in death by her husband James on December 13, 1999, a son-in-law Gary Swanson, two sisters Joan Peterson & Karisma Heimbruck and two nephews, David & James.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St. La Crosse. Pastor Erik Feig will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of service. The Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.

Send Private Condolence

Name:

Location:

Video:

Image:

Light A Candle

Candle 1

Candle 2

Candle 3

Candle 4

Email:

Personal Message:

Confirm:

Required Confirmation:

Send Private Condolence