Esther Erxleben, 89 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in Adams Memorial Hospital. She was born on Saturday, August 6, 1921 in Adams County, Indiana the daughter of the late Fred Bulmahn and the late Lizzie (Meier) Bulmahn. She married Lorenz Erxleben on May 2, 1943 in St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen and he passed away on August 17, 1986. Esther was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Decatur. She was a homemaker and actively involved in the family farm. She was formerly employed by Wayne Novelty, Preble Hatchery and the Decatur Canning Factory, where she was the fastest tomato peeler. Surviving are her son, Phillip L. (Sally) Erxleben of Decatur, daughter, Janice (Robert) Swygart of Decatur, two grandchildren, Eliza Erxleben and Shane Erxleben; seven great-grandchildren, T.J. Warren, Elise Warren, Lacy Warren, Sam Hirschy, Taylor Erxleben, Kiara Erxleben & Lorenz Conrad; and two great great-grandchildren. Preceding Esther in death were two grandchildren, Kedron Hill and Missy Loshe; one great great-granddaughter, three brothers, Raymond, Ted & Hugo Bulmahn and one sister, Paula Bulmahn. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. March 5, 2011 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur with Rev. Jonathan Neipp officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 4 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.
