Of Onalaska- Esther Rhoda Small, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 6, 2015 in her home.  She was born February 6, 1918 to Edward and Amelia (Johnson) Sjuggerud.  She married Harlan “Howie” Small in 1965 in La Crescent, MN.  They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Esther enjoyed playing cards, walking/visiting at the mall and watching Howie fly his model airplanes.

She is survived by her husband, Howie; son, Ricky Sr (Christine); son-in-law, Frank Freismuth; grandchildren, Kim (Brian) Shockey, Heidi (Tom) Schmidt, Heather King, Ricky Jr (April) Small, Travis (Maria) Freismuth, Jason (Kelly) Small, Trevor Freismuth, Cinnamon Small-Domenget; several great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Ellsworth “Squirt” Waller; children, Daniel Waller, Sonja Freismuth; 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

The family would like to thank her dear Mall Walker friends and the Tuesday night card club.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm with a visitation one hour prior at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska.  Pastor John E. Brouwer will officiate.