Mrs. Esther Cunningham (nee’ Schuelke), 89, of West Olive, Michigan died peacefully and went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on March 17, 2023.
Born on October 9th, 1933 in Berlin, Germany to parents Fritz and Frieda Schuelke, Esther spent her childhood in war-torn Berlin during WWII. Post-war, the family emigrated to the United States. She met Klaus Klemm at a church singles retreat and they married on July 26th, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan.
Esther and Klaus eventually settled in Highland, Indiana where they raised their family. She loved classical music, singing in the church choir, playing piano, and hostessing. The family worshipped at Calvary Baptist Church in Highland.
As the children grew, Esther began assisting in her husband’s business and returned to her love of playing tennis. Klaus enjoyed sailing, and the family began vacationing in southwest Michigan. Leisure trips turned into resettling in West Olive, Michigan where Esther and Klaus built their new home and began new careers. They joined Central Wesleyan Church in Holland where Esther continued to sing in the choir. Her enjoyment of tennis expanded as she played in leagues and travel tennis teams.
After Klaus’ death in 1994, Esther remarried local widower Gordon Cunningham. They were married for 21 years and enjoyed attending concerts, traveling, and visiting with their families. Gordon passed away in 2018.
Esther is survived by her children David Klemm, Warren (Karen) Klemm, Gordon (Beth) Klemm, Judy (Steve) Loken, and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Wilfred Schuelke. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Klaus Klemm and Gordon Cunningham, and siblings Gisela, Elenore, and Elvin.
A funeral service will take place on April 14 at 11:00 am at Pillar Church in Holland. A one-hour visitation will take place prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Graafschap Cemetery in Holland.
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