Esther Margarite Pronk was born on August 20th, 1930 in Murray County, Minnesota to Lou and Wilhelmina Pronk.
Esther grew up in rural Minnesota along with her 10 siblings. Hard work on the farm was a normal part of her life, which did not phase her. She was united in marriage to Wilbur Van De Steeg on September 7th, 1948. Soon after, 9 children were born in Slayton MN, Clear Lake SD, Watertown SD, and Artesia CA. Eventually, they resided on a rural farm in Cokato MN. In December of 1985, Wilbur Van De Steeg passed away and Esther moved into the town of Cokato. Esther then spent a short time in Tavares Florida where she enjoyed the warmer temperatures and time with her sisters and friends. When she was in need of more care, she returned to Cokato. She eventually moved into Cokato Manor where she really enjoyed her final years of life.
Esther’s life was centered upon her family and a work ethic that no one could match. She always gave more than she ever received and never left anyone out of her generous love. She exemplified grace in action and at times with an attitude that you would soon not forget! She would often be seen playing Skip-Bo or Fast Track, doing puzzles, or baking cookies and pumpkin bars. She loved to cheer on her children and grandchildren in any sporting event. She enjoyed reading Louis L’amour books, collecting Dutch blue delft, and winning little animal figures while playing bingo. She took care to put on fashionable jewelry, makeup, and a splash of White Diamonds perfume before heading out to go shopping, worship at New Life Assembly of God church, or simply going to lunch at the Cokato Manor cafeteria.
Esther Margarite Van De Steeg, died peacefully Saturday, October 12th, 2024 at Cokato Manor in Cokato, MN. She was 94 years old.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents Lou and Wilhelmina Pronk, her husband Wilbur Van De Steeg, son Jerry “Cody” Van De Steeg, infant daughter Patricia, infant granddaughter Stacy, brothers Nick Pronk, Bud Pronk, Lou Pronk and Thorton Pronk, sisters Fannie Abbink, Elsie Mihlenbeck, Joan Dewyer, and Louise Achterhoff.
Esther is survived by her children: Pamela McDowell (Gary), Terry Van De Steeg (Mary), Larry Van De Steeg (Joann), Valerie Donaldson, Sandra Bernhardt (Sol), Sheila Fleischhacker (Fred), Gary Van De Steeg (Brenda) and Perry Van De Steeg (Cindy).
She is further survived by her grandchildren: Amber, Shana, Brandon, Jennifer, Willie, Jessica, Salem, Scott, Stephanie, Shari, Cassie, Ellie, Micah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Zoe, Grace, Todd, Jeff, Kurt, Patricia, Lola, Stephanie, Nathan, 32 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, sisters Leone Goding and Alice Schriver along with many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 17, 2024 followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at New Life Assembly of God Church – 190 Johnson Ave NW, Cokato, Minnesota.