Elaine E. Kestly

Elaine E. Kestly, age 93, passed away Monday, August 7, 2017 at Laurel Grove Assisted Living with her daughter, Vicki, by her side.Elaine was born on April 5, 1924 in Manitowoc to the late Harry and Cora (Bishop) Dill. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1942. It is there she acquired the nickname "Pickles", which followed her through life. During World War II, Elaine was employed at Manitowoc Shipbuilding and Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding. She then met and married Jack Kestly on June 30, 1945 at Solomons, MD, while he was in the U.S. Marine Corps. He preceded her in death on February 5, 1997.In 1962 and four children later, Elaine rejoined the workforce at Imperial Eastman. She retired in 1988 as Assistant Personnel Manager, a job she loved and from where she made lifelong friendships.Elaine was an active member of First Lutheran Church serving on the FLCW Coordinating Committee as treasurer for many years. Her gift at poetry was seen in the church Messenger each month since 1987. She sang in the Chancel Choir and loved the Wednesday morning Bible study group where the Bible came alive for her. She was the longtime Co-Chair of the Snip ‘N Sew quilters and spent most of her week at church. She always said it was what kept her going. That and her beloved line dancing ladies, the "Young at Heart" dancers, who performed at area nursing homes once a month, and practiced every Wednesday at the Manitowoc Senior Center. She always said that dancing kept her young…and she was a very good dancer! Elaine was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed her bridge club friends of over 50 years.Elaine is survived by her four children, Greg (Pat) Kestly and their sons Christopher (Heather) Kestly, Andrew Kestly, and Alexander (Taylor) Kestly; Vicki (Jim) Schleis and their daughter, Loryn Schleis; Kathy (Ron) Wagar and their sons Matt and Drew Wagar; and Tim Kestly and his son, Tim Hamilton. She was thrilled to meet her first great granddaughter, Lyla Elaine, only a few weeks ago. Also surviving are many dear nieces and nephews, and many special friends.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, 521 North 8th Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Roald Harswick will officiate with entombment to follow at Calvary Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday at the Jens Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 1122 South 8th Street, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In Lieu of flowers, it was Elaine's wishes that memorials be sent to First Lutheran Church Mission Fund in her name. The Jens Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.comOur Mom loved her family, her church, and most of all, her Lord. The words of her poetry uplifted and inspired so many…truly, a God connection. She lived her life serving others and taught us to do the same. We will miss her dearly…

Visitation

Friday, August 11, 2017 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM
First Lutheran Church
521 North 8th Street Manitowoc 54220, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, August 11, 2017 11:00 AM
First Lutheran Church
521 North 8th Street Manitowoc 54220, United States

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