Esther "Lee" Wolfgang

Esther “Lee” Wolfgang passed away, joining her Heavenly Father, at home with her family by her side on September 6, 2019. She was born on April 6, 1939 in Charlestown, Indiana to Oscar Lee Wilson and Mary Alverda Arnold. She was the 12th of 13 children. Although she didn’t have a middle name, our family often called her Esther “Lee”, a name she shared with her father and 2nd oldest brother, Robert.

Esther followed her brother, Robert, to California, where she began working at Fort Ord Military Base. This is where Esther and Jerry met. He soon had eyes only for her. One evening she needed a ride home, so he seized the opportunity to be her chariot. That’s where it all started. Soon, Jerry won Esther’s heart and she married her handsome ADj3 Navy Sailor, in June of 1962. The rest is history!

While in California, they were delighted to welcome their first happy and smiling baby boy, Jeffery Eugene in April of 1963. At this time, Jerry was working for the Base Exchange, which later transferred him to Mountain Home Air Force Base. After living the highlife in California, Esther was in a bit of shock when they arrived. (The road to the base was not even paved!) All she could see was desert for miles. After settling, they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Gerrie Dee in September of 1964. Esther later began managing the office of the NCO Club. It became a place where she met many people that became very near and dear to her. They pinned her the nickname, “Girl Friday.” In October of 1970, they welcomed home a handsome baby boy, Gregory Walter.

Once Esther retired, she became an Elkette to support Jerry as an Elk and served from 1975-2019. She wore many hats throughout her dedicated Elkette career. She took pride as President, Chairman of the Kitchen at the Christmas Bazaars, and Chairman of the yearbook, just to name a few. During this time, Greg met and married the love of his life, Melanie. They later had three children. Greg joined the Elks Lodge, allowing them to help and support Esther in her Elkette career. After many years of hard work and dedicated service, on September 1, 2019, Esther was awarded Idaho State Elk Lady of the Year. She is to be honored at the Stated Convention.

After retirement, they became snowbirds, enjoying time together and seeing many family, friends and places. Many of these adventures were spent on the Oregon Coast and fishing trips with their grandkids.

She is preceded in death by both parents, Oscar (Alverda), siblings; Richard, Helen, Martyne, Janie, Rosie, Thomas, Patrick, Godfrey, Arnold, Peanuts, her children; Jeffery and Gerrie Dee, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She leaves a family legacy to Husband Jerry, siblings; Inez Collette, Betty Cole, and Joey Lagerholm, son Greg (Melanie), grandchildren; Erika, Amber(Josh), Ryan (Mariah), and two beautiful great grandchildren.; Analiese and Bryce.

A viewing will be held Thursday September 12, from 4-6 p.m. Services are Friday September 13, at Rost Funeral Home at 10 a.m., 500 N 18 E, Mountain Home ID. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.