Esther A. Rutz, nee Strack, 101, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the Samaritan Health Center, West Bend.

She was born on September 16, 1907 in the town of Mitchell to the late Emil and Louise (nee Stark) Strack. She was united in marriage to Fred Rutz on April 23, 1928 in Campbellsport. Fred passed away on November 7, 1997.

Esther was a long-time member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend.

She is survived by a brother-in-law, Arthur (Frances) Rutz of West Bend, two nieces, Jeanne (Art) Plansky of Mayville, and Suzanne Bickum of West Bend; two nephews, Karl Becker of West Bend, and Roger Rutz of Milwaukee; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four sisters, Irene Stern, Selma Merkle, Ozella Krueger, and Mable Becker.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend. Rev. George Mumm will officiate and burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park, West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 Noon until the time of services.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Samaritan Health Center for their care of Esther.