Esther (Studebaker) Schamberger

Esther (Studebaker) Schamberger

After celebrating her 104th birthday on April 20, 2012 Esther (Studebaker) Schamberger passed away at the home of her daughter in Chetek, WI on Thursday, June 7, 2012 with her loving family at her side.

Esther was born in 1908 at Kent, IL to parents Jacob and Anna (Wolfley) Studebaker.  She is of the 6th generation of the Studebaker family, who came to America in 1736 and later designed and produced the Conestoga wagons and Studebaker cars.  Her family moved to a farm on the Kaw Indian reservation at Newkirk, OK and returned to IL when she was age 10.  Esther obtained her teaching certificate at DeKalb College and taught school for 3 years before marrying Harold Schamberger in 1931.  Harold and Esther operated Schamberger Truck Service for 37 years at Stockton, IL and spent their retirement operating the Morning Sun Resort at Chetek, WI.  After selling the resort in 1976 they built a home in New Auburn, WI until they returned to Stockton in 1991 where Harold and Esther lived the remainder of their 64 year marriage.  Esther returned to Chetek, WI to live with her daughter.

Esther was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and her Bible was always close at hand.  Her family and friends will always remember Esther as a wise and intelligent lady, quiet and gentle, never speaking a negative or harsh word to or about anyone.  She always worked hard and gave generously, was always kind and always loving.  Her presence will live on forever in our hearts.
Esther leaves to celebrate her memory, one son, Gene (Helen) Schamberger of Stockton, IL; one daughter, Betty Davis of Chetek, WI; two daughters-in-law, Carol Thome Schamberger of Puyallup, WA and Claire Schamberger of Ft. Collins, CO; 14 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by brother, George Studebaker; husband, Harold Schamberger; two sons, Robert and Melvin Schamberger; grandson, Michael Schamberger; great-granddaughter, Kelsey Baldwin; great-great grandson Collin Ebsen.

Chetek family members include daughter, Betty Davis; grandchildren, Kent Zeltner, Steve (Connie) Zeltner, Deanna Humphrey, and Al (Joan) Zeltner; great-grandchildren, Stephenie (Jason) Ebsen, Ashley Humphrey, Tashauna Humphrey and Matthew Zeltner; great-great-grandchildren, Parker, Caitlyn and Mia Ebsen and Mikayla Humphrey.

The funeral service for Esther will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton, IL on Tuesday, June 12 at 11:00 A.M.   Esther’s family will be greeting visitors at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.  She will be laid to rest at the Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton.

The family has designated memorials to be sent to the Chetek United Methodist Church.

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