Esther Altschul

Esther Altschul, nee Sager, 94, of Wilmette, passed away March 21, 2018. Esther was born in Chicago January 22, 1924, the daughter of Leon Sager and Hannah Sager, nee Shulman. Along with her two sisters, Ruth (deceased) and Naomi, Esther was raised in Wilmette and lived most of her life on the North Shore. She attended New Trier High School and then the University of Chicago, where she was active in the women’s co-op. At the university she met Gilbert (Gil) Altschul, also of Chicago. Gil received his commission in the US Army Air Force the morning of September 6, 1943, and the two were married at the home of Esther’s parents that afternoon. Esther and Gil had four sons, David (Paula), Joel (Lynn), Dan (Karen), and Jeff (Debbie), along with 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Esther’s professional career included producing and distributing educational media alongside her husband, who started Altschul Group Corporation in 1954. After Gil died in 1982, she remained active in the business for another decade. The remainder of her life she devoted to family and friends. Her zest for life was contagious and included travel, games of all sorts (particularly bridge), reading, and wonderful conversation. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL 60043. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Family Focus, 310 S. Peoria St., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60607 or Jon Altschul Philosophy Fund, Loyola University of New Orleans, Philosophy Department, Box 107, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. Donations also can be made electronically at: giving.loyno.edu/Altschul