Mrs. M. Estelle Sopher, 84, of Knoxville, Illinois peacefully passed away at 12:01 am Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Courtyard Estates of Knoxville.
Mamie Estelle was the oldest daughter of C. Leroy Bjorling and Astrid (Lundquist) Bjorling, born May 5th, 1940, and raised on the family farm east of Altona.
Estelle graduated from ROVA High School and married her high school sweetheart, Dale K. Sopher in 1958. They raised their children, Debbie and Doug, in rural Oneida at the home they built together, where they enjoyed the peaceful countryside for 52 years. One of her greatest pleasures was to work in the yard planting flowers and shrubs, and on her 75th birthday, her family celebrated by laying 75 bags of mulch.
She worked at Anderson State Bank for 13 years and later retired as Vice President of Wilson Paper Company, while also managing the bookkeeping for Sopher Construction.
A lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Estelle served humbly in many roles. Faith and family were her top priorities, always organizing gatherings and caring for others. She leaves behind a loving example and a wealth of history for the family to cherish and follow.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dale, and her son, Doug. She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Joe) Boyke, daughter-in-law Lisa (Rod) Hirst, grandchildren Jaime (Adam) Dougherty, Zac (Megan) Sopher, Allison (Nathan) Knight, Dana (Jess) Miller, 8 great-grandsons, her brother Norman (Babs) Bjorling, sister Ardythe (Ted) Lange, sister-in-law Jane (Ed) Yelm, special cousin Donna (Terry) Hattendorf and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Courtyard Estates, especially her angels in Betty’s Garden, and Stephanie Olson for the loving care they gave Estelle.
Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 pm Monday, October 7, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will be 10:30 am Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Tim Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Victoria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compassus Hospice or Out of Darkness. Hinchliff-Pearson-West has been entrusted with the arrangements for Estelle’s services and online condolences may be made to the family at www.h-p-w.com.
