Esther Walz Blank Erlenbusch, 99, of Groton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Ryan Drevlow officiating.
A time for fellowship and luncheon will follow at the church hall.
Private family burial will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Ipswich.
Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.
Carlsen Funeral Home & Crematory, 1708 8th Ave NE, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.carlsenfh.com. Services will be recorded and posted following the service.
Esther was born on August 20, 1926, to Jacob and Lydia (Kappenstein) Walz in Roscoe, SD. Esther and her siblings, Caroline Boschee, Clara Dumire, Ann Daugherty, Verna McAtee, Ruth Foster, and brother Adolph Walz, were raised on the family farm in Edmunds County, where they farmed between Roscoe and Hosmer. Esther and some of her sisters moved to Aberdeen, and this is where she met and married Arthur Cornelius Blank on May 22, 1950. Together, they raised four children: Gail Berreth (deceased), Pam Berreth, John Blank, and Mike Blank.
After Art’s passing in 1976, Esther later married Wilbert Erlenbusch on November 28, 1980. Following Wilbert’s death, she moved to the Homestead Apartments, where she enjoyed many wonderful years surrounded by dear friends. Esther could often be found in the shared common area playing cards or bingo, or just enjoying treats and friendship with all her friends. In December 2023, Esther moved to her final home at Avantara Groton, where she also enjoyed bingo and games and getting her nails done with other residents. She continued to share her warmth and kindness with those around her. The love and compassion that was shown to her while at Avantara was amazing, and we were so blessed to be able to have her there.
Esther loved spending time with her family and friends and had a special fondness for her miniature dachshund, Fannie. Her gentle spirit, quick wit, and caring heart touched everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Pam Berreth, John (Jill Gefre) Blank, Mike (Trish) Blank; son-in-law, Roger Berreth; 12 grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; three sisters; one daughter; one son-in-law; and one grandson.
Esther will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
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