Esther M. “Jean” Enking, 87, of Howards Grove, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by her family.
Born March 23, 1934 in Milwaukee, Esther was a daughter of the late Henry and Anna Kolassa Peplinski. She attended area schools and graduated from West Bend High School in 1951. She was united in marriage over the years to Roger Peterman, John Deltgen and James “Bob” Enking.
She was a long time food service professional working at St. Nicholas Hospital in the dietary department for many years. She was known for her giant desserts and carrot cake as her specialty. She was a life member of the Sheboygan Theatre Company and dearly loved presence in the shows at RCS. Many years after she thought her theater career was over, God saw fit to bless her with one last “hurrah”. At the age of 84, and 11 years after her last performance, she was able to reprise a favorite role as the Reverend Mother in Nunsense at Memories Ballroom. She had one week to prepare for the show and truly marveled everyone involved. Her “Turn Up the Spotlight” solo perfectly summing up her 40 years of joy on the stage. And sharing that stage with daughter Diane one more time was the icing on the carrot cake of life.
When her husband, Bob, passed, Jean thought her cherished annual visits to Florida were over, but her children continued that travel introducing her to the Orlando Theme Park experience, where she tirelessly rode world class roller coasters well into her 70’s. She also loved spending time with her family especially at the family camp out and also enjoyed bingo, puzzles and lunches at Gosse’s and Millers Glen. Jean recently talked of tending to her Heavenly garden, but one without an apple tree, of course.
Jean is survived by her children, Dennis Peterman, Shawano, Doug (Candy) Peterman, Elkhart Lake, David (Judy Van Dyke) Peterman, Sheboygan Falls, Diane (Paschal) Sciarra, Howards Grove, and John (Caroline) Deltgen, Sheboygan Falls; her granddaughter, Anna (Garrett) Wright, Oshkosh; 2 great grandchildren, Lillian (Blong) Thao and Liz Wright; her brother, Eugene (Rita) Peplinski, Cedarburg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides her parents, Henry and Anna, she was preceded in death by her husbands Roger, John and James “Bob” and her special friend, William LeCourt; her son, Kenneth Peterman; her brothers and sisters, Donald, Dolores, Kathleen, Marilyn and Mary.
Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Avenue. COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing will be observed and masks are required. A private family service will take place immediately following. Inurnment will take place in the Gardens of Peace Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life gathering will continue at 3:00 p.m. at the Howards Grove Village Hall, 913 S. Wisconsin Drive.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jean’s arrangements.
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