Esther A. Suter

Esther Amanda Suter (née Gustafson), 96, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at Onalaska Care Center, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and unwavering love for others.

Esther was born on February 9, 1930, in Kenora, Ontario, Canada to her loving parents Wictor and Ingrid (née Adamson) Gustafson. Her early years were spent in the quiet beauty of northern wilderness, often in section houses along the Canadian Pacific Railroad where her father worked as a section foreman. From Ingolf to Laclu to Kenora, Esther grew up surrounded by nature, close-knit family, and countless friends who quickly became like family. These formative experiences shaped the gentle, caring woman so many came to cherish.

She was, from the very beginning, the heart of her family. As an older sister, Esther naturally took on a caring role, especially with her younger brothers, Oscar and Alfie. One of Oscar’s fondest memories was of warm summer days in Ingolf, when Esther would lead the boys along the sunlit railroad tracks to pick wild strawberries. Those afternoons—full of laughter, sunshine, and the sweetness of berries shared along the way—captured who she was at her core: nurturing, attentive, and full of quiet joy.

A naturally outgoing and hardworking young woman, Esther brought warmth and dedication to everything she did. Alongside her sister, she worked in the tourism industry at Eisentraut’s Camps on Lake of the Woods. It was there that fate stepped in—two young American men on a fishing trip from Wisconsin, and as the family fondly recounts, they caught “the catch of their lives”—two Canadian sisters. That chance meeting would ultimately lead Esther to the life she built in Onalaska, WI.

Before moving to Onalaska, Esther also worked at Breslauer and Warren, a local jeweler in Kenora. Wherever she worked, she was dearly valued for her bright spirit, warm smile, strong work ethic, and genuine love for life. She had a remarkable ability to express care through both her words and her actions, always making others feel seen, heard, and supported.

Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Suter, with whom she shared a lifetime of companionship, laughter, and enduring love. Together they built a life grounded in commitment and care, leaving a legacy that continues through their family. She is lovingly remembered by her son, James Suter; her brothers, Walter Gustafson (the late Betty) and Oscar Gustafson (the late Judy); and is reunited in rest with her parents Wictor and Ingrid Gustafson; sister, Margaret Uehling Yowell (the late Jim) and brother, Alfred Gustafson (Norma).

Those who knew Esther will remember her as a truly gentle soul—someone who always put others first. She never complained and greeted loved ones with her familiar reassurance, “We’re doing good. How are you doing?” It was never about her; she cared most about listening, connecting, and offering comfort in even the simplest moments. Her older brother Walter often said it was his privilege to talk with her each night, and her niece Vicky deeply treasured their Sunday conversations—both recalling how she was unfailingly kind and always placed their needs ahead of any struggles she may have been facing herself. Whether through a thoughtful conversation or a quiet act of support, Esther was always there. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own, as well as her extended family and dear friends who meant the world to her.

Esther’s life was a quiet but powerful testament to compassion, generosity, and grace. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her love will continue to guide those she leaves behind.

A private family service will be held to honor Esther's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the ILC Home in La Crosse Wisconsin. Contributions can be made via check to ILC LLC, Suite A, 3629 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601.