Esther C. Raschke

Esther Clara (Mutscher Urech) Raschke, 95, entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. She was born to Herman E. and Sophie (Brockermeyer) Mutscher in Giddings, Texas, on November 14, 1922. She was baptized on November 19, 1922, and confirmed her faith to the Lord on April 5, 1936, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Serbin, Texas, where she also attended school and first learned English as she was raised in a German-speaking community.

Esther married Julius Urech in 1945 until his death in 1970. In 1976, Esther married Raymond Raschke until his death in 1999. She worked for many years at K-Mart, until she retired in 1987. Throughout her life, Esther was most positive, cheerful person that you would ever want to meet, and had the most beautiful smile and laugh.

Esther was a faithful and active member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Houston. She lived in the Binglewood subdivision for 50 years where she loved planting flowers and making her yard beautiful. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas when she loved decorating her home and having her family there to celebrate Christmas Eve. She loved and was greatly loved in return by her family, friends, neighbors, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Sophie Mutscher; brothers Marvin Mutscher and wife Louise, and Clarence Mutscher and wife Doris; daughter, Nancy Jane Urech; husbands, Julius Urech and Raymond Raschke as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Esther is survived by her children, Harry Urech and wife, Patty; Jo Anne Nickens and husband, Terry; Dennis Urech and wife, Joycelyn; Ronnie Raschke and wife Wanda; Bruce Raschke and wife Jo Ann; and Randall Raschke and wife Lynn. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakmont and Sterling Oaks for the care she was given during her final years on this earth; Dr. Reininger and his nurse, Sony, for their compassion and care not only to our Mother, but for giving guidance to the family; and to Vantage Hospice for the care she received to make her final days as comfortable as possible. A special thanks to Pastor “Red” Etzel for his many visits to our Mother over the years praying with her and keeping her a part of her church family, as well as comforting us during this very difficult time.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 4115 Blalock in Houston, 77080, with The Rev. Russell A. Etzel, officiating. Interment followed at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

For those desiring and in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Esther’s honor to Concordia Lutheran Church, (713) 462-4040.