Esther A. Crass (nee Thelen), 96, of Newburg, died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at the Samaritan Health Center.

She was born March 30, 1914, in Orchard Grove, to the late Michael and Louisa (nee Schwinn) Thelen and married Harold A. Crass on Nov. 15, 1945, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg. Harold preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 2009.

When Esther was 2 years old her family moved to Barton. In 1931 they moved to Newburg, where Esther lived for most of her life. Following her marriage she worked with her husband in operating Crass Hardware in Newburg until selling the business in 1973. For the past four years she lived at the Fields of Washington County.

Esther was a member of the Christian Women’s Confraternity at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg and the 25 Year Club at the Newburg Fire Department.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Doris Thelen of Plymouth; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Louisa Thelen; her husband, Harold; her son in infancy, Gerald John; two sisters and four brothers.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, Sept. 27, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg with the Rev. Kevin Kowalske presiding. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, at the church only from 10 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Fields of Washington County, Holy Trinity Catholic Church or the charity of donor’s choice are appreciated.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com..