Esther Mallum

MERCER, Wis. - Esther Mallum, 95, of Mercer, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015, surrounded by her family, and loved ones.

She was born June 8, 1919, in the town of Franzen, Marathon County, Wis., daughter of the late Michael and Julia Cebula. She married Harold Mallum on Nov. 30, 1940, at St. Jospeph's Catholic Church in Galloway, Wis., where they owned a farm. Later they moved to Mercer. Harold preceded her in death in 1977.

Esther was a homemaker. She enjoyed baking, canning, crocheting, and gardening. She made fresh baked bread and homemade cake or pie everyday for her family. She spent many hours growing beautiful flowers in her garden, and walking through the woods enjoying the many beauties of nature. Esther volunteered for Green Thumb with the Senior Nutrition Program in Mercer for 17 years as a cook.

In her later years, she loved playing cards and traveling with her companion Ray Brossmer, who proceeded her in death in 2009. An honorable mention also goes out to her special friends and caregivers, Linda Miller and Susan Stanke, with whom she also enjoyed spending time.

She is survived by four sons, Jerome, and Vernon (Mary) both of Wausau, Roger ("Gene") (Margaret) of Mercer, and Randy (Karen) of Ironwood; two daughters, Roxanne Mallum of Onalaska, and Rosalie (Jeff) Richter of Mercer; her grandchildren, Brenda Frazier, Richard Mallum, Kevin Mallum, Gene Mallum, Carrie Mallum-Mahlum, Jamie Buettner and Matthew Mallum; and her sisters, Irene Duncan of Charlotte, NC, and Delores (Lowell) Weibel of Boulder City, Nev. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Esther was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Cebula; and her sisters, Clara Blevins, Theresa Riske, Veronica (Francis) Heigner, Lucille Gay, Lillian Cebula and Martha Cebula.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015, at St. Isaac Jogue's Catholic Church in Mercer. Fr. Ronald Serrao will preside. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood.