Esther E. Dahlke, 101, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Grand Island, died on Saturday Dec. 6 2014, at Sterling House in Tucson AZ.

Mrs. Dahlke was born on July 23, 1913, in Humphrey, Nebraska to Frank M. and Elizabeth G. (Boos) Theewen, and later moved to Cedar Rapids, NE.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin (Boots) Dahlke.

Survivors of the immediate family include a son and daughter-in-law, James and Joyce Dahlke of Tucson,Arizona. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jennifer Randel and her husband, Brad, Jason Dahlke and his wife Charity; four great-grandchildren, Natalya, Hristo,Holly, and Gwenyth, all of Las Vegas, NV.

After graduating from high school, Esther attended St. Francis Nursing School in Grand Island. She completed her RN training in 1935, and worked in the local hospitals, St. Francis, Lutheran, and Veterans Administration, before specializing in private duty practice.

Esther met Ervin Dahlke (painting contractor) while in nursing school, and they were married in 1937 (for 58 years). Esther and Ervin had one son, James, who resides in Tucson, AZ. They were founding members of Blessed Sacrament Church where she was active in Catholic Daughters, the Alter Society, and Perpetual Adoration. Esther's hobbies were sewing and knitting, but her true passion was Husker football.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two sisters, Frances Mahoney and Thelma Dobson.

Esther moved to her new home, Sterling House in Tucson AZ., in Oct. 2008.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island or the Grand Island Senior Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Todd Philipsen officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A Rosary service will begin at 9:30 AM prior to the service.