Esther Walker - Sioux Falls

Dec. 4, 1944 - Jan. 16, 2019

Posted

On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, after a courageous 11-year fight against cancer, Esther Walker was received by the Lord, our Savior, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls with her husband and children by her side at the age of 74.

Funeral services have been set for 11 a.m. Monday at West Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Crooks. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 5 p.m. Sunday, at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st Street.

On December 4, 1944, Esther Joyce Kars was born to parents Jacob and Dena (Hoekman) Kars in Slayton, MN. She grew up with her older sister Mary Ann on a farm near Hartford, SD and graduated from high school in 1962.

Esther was united in marriage to Arlan Gaalswyk on May 29, 1964. Before Arlan’s passing, they were blessed with the births of their three children, sons Brian and Colin, and daughter Darci.  During their years of marriage, they lived in the communities of Sioux Falls, Brookings, and Colton.

On July 3, 1974, Esther was united in marriage with Ronald Walker in Sioux Falls.  This union joined her three children and his daughter Melanie into a family. 

They were then blessed by the birth of daughter Janell. They raised their family on an acreage by Crooks.

After retirement, Ron and Esther enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, especially going south and west during the winter. 

Esther will be dearly missed by her husband, Ron; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Kelly Gaalswyk of Sioux Falls; son and daughter-in-law, Colin and Tonya Gaalswyk of Brookings; daughter, Darci Gaalswyk of Mankato, MN; daughter and son-in-law, Janell and Jason Hoffelt of Brookings; step-daughter, Melanie Caruthers of Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.  She will also be missed by her many extended family members and close friends and all who have been fortunate to have been touched by her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arlan Gaalswyk; son-in-law Ted Caruthers; parents Jacob (“Jack”) and Dena Kars; sister Mary Ann Herman; parents-in-law Joe and Marjorie Gaalswyk; mother-in-law Mabel Walker; 3 brothers-in-law; and 2 sisters-in-law.

For online obituary and guest register go to Miller Funeral Home Website at; www.millerfh.com.