Funeral services for Esther T. Kirk, age 96, of Albert Lea will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. Curtis Zieske will officiate. Interment will be at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Esther died Friday, March 30, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Esther T. Kirk was born on July 24, 1915, to William and Bertha (Weber) Tews in Myrtle and resided in Freeborn County all of her life. She attended Myrtle schools. On April 17, 1938, Esther was united in marriage to Jens Kirk in Myrtle. The couple made their home in Albert Lea where Esther was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Esther worked as a housekeeper and after she was married she did some catering and housecleaning for several families. She also worked several years at the B&W Café. Esther had a very strong faith, warm smile and a positive attitude about life. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and spending time with her family whom she dearly loved.

Survivors include her daughters, Nancy (Robert) McDermont, Lynden, Wash., and Vera Hanlin, Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter-in-law Nancy Kirk, Omaha, Neb., four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Leonard Tews; several nieces and nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jens Kirk; son, William Kirk, son-in-law, Terry Hanlin; and three brothers.