Obituary of Ester Petschuch

Ester Petschuch of Lodi passed away with her family at her side on October 14, 2005 at the age of 82. Mrs. Petschuch was born in Ratzersdorf, Czechoslovakia on April 27, 1923, to Ferdinand and Rosa Gschweng. Ester attended grammar school in Ratzersdorf and a home economics school in Unternalb, Austria, where she learned to make the delicious desserts and meals for which she is acclaimed. She married Paul Petschuch on November 24, 1942. Paul is also from Ratzersdorf, Czechoslovakia, and the two were childhood sweethearts. They lived in Heubach, West Germany from 1948 until 1955. The couple with their two daughters immigrated to Lodi, California in 1955. Ester was employed as a sorter for the Diamond Walnut Plant in Stockton until 1971, and thereafter was a homemaker. Paul was employed by Holz Rubber Company until his retirement at the age of 65. Ester was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lodi, Hermann Sons of Stockton, Fidelity Society, and the Heimat Chor. She and Paul also traveled extensively, touring Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Alaska and most of the states in America. Ester loved to entertain and she was known for her hospitality and talents in preparing delicious meals and desserts. Ester's genuine charm, loving ways, resilient character, and her graciousness and dignity are embedded in the memories and hearts of all of those whose lives she touched. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul Petschuch, daughter Heidi Petschuch of Modesto; daughter Helga Marshall and son-in-law Peter, Jr. of Brentwood; grandson Chris Marshall and wife Corinne of San Jose; sister, Rosa Kompauer and husband Michael of Lodi; sister, Adelheid Lietzke of Germany; sister-in-law Else Loschonsky of Germany, and many nieces and nephews in California, Nevada, Germany, Slovakia and Bolivia. Services will be held on Thursday at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 10:00 AM with Pastor Bill Crabtree officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Lodi Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1540 West Lodi Avenue, Lodi, CA 95242 or Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204.