o,

Esther Josephs, born Karen Walrath, was born on April 24, 1951 in Mankato, MN. to Howard and Myrna Walrath. She grew up in North Mankato, and graduated from Mankato (West) High School in 1969.

She was wed to David Takle on June 5, 1970, sadly, later divorcing in 1984. Her education included degrees in Practical Nursing and Social Work with a lifelong commitment to Child Welfare and Behavioral Health.

Life allowed her to travel around the world but she was so happy to call North Mankato her home. And now she is in her final home with Christ. A battle with cancer was the backdrop of her last years but not the main event. Days were spent with cello, piano, reading, skating, swimming, walking, watercolor painting, and worshiping joyfully...including "dancing" around her apartment with KTIS music playing loudly in her headphones. Quite the sight.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Ardella. She is survived by her much loved sons: Brian Takle and his children Zoe, Mercutio, and Saffron; Jeff (Heather) Takle and their sons Anderson and Grady; one amazing brother, Stan Walrath and his son Torrey (Heather) Walrath and their daughters Savanna and Brooklyn, his daughter Amy Walrath and her son Christian, his daughter Bethany (Jerome) Walrath and their children Jonathan, Maria, Janelle, Romo, and Yogi; friends from Koppen Gardens, VINE, New Creation church, and special friends Shelly Blume, Karen Shannon, Xin Xu and Cindi Walrath; many well-loved cousins and second cousins.

A quiet private gathering will be held at graveside when her body is laid to rest. Shalom to a new day.

https://obituaries.mankatofreepress.com/obituary/esther-josephs-1092556482