Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Yankton, with the Reverend Kenneth Bain officiating and Monsignor Carlton Hermann concelebrating. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitations are Monday, June 22nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory with a 7:00 p.m. rosary and a 7:30 p.m. scripture service. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers will be Jerry Mueller, Bill McKelvey, Bob Rezac, Korlin Lutt, Jim Jennings, Randy Tucek, Kent Lutt, and Charles Rezac.

Esther was born on the family farm near Olivet, SD to John and Christina (Rebel) David. She attended school in Olivet, Menno and graduated from Lesterville High School. She married her high school sweetheart Melvin Lee.

Esther and Melvin were owners/operators of small businesses in Menno and Lesterville for over 50 years. Esther was a well-liked business woman who enjoyed being with people and considered her customers as family. She was a Lesterville Legion Auxiliary member and an avid supporter of many causes for the good of the community including the Lesterville Fire Department, Baseball Association, Community Club, and the SD Peace Officers.

Esther's family was her greatest pride with six daughters: Lanie Tucek, Deanna (Jerry) Mueller, Pamela (Bob) Rezac, all of Yankton; Patti McKelvey (Bill), Chula Vista, Calif., Michelle (Korlin) Lutt, Columbus, Nebr., and Kimberly (Jim) Jennings, Eden Prairie, Minn; 16 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her brother, Gerald David and sister, Ruth Borszich.

The family asks that memorials be directed to the Benedictine Foundation for the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Hospice Program, 1000 West Fourth Street, Yankton, SD 57078.

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