- Born on: September 28, 1935
- Departed on: December 20, 2025
- Resided in: Maquoketa, IA
Ester Arline Weirup
Ester Arline Barten Weirup, eldest daughter of Elmer H Barten and Minnie C Clark Barten, was born at home September 28, 1935, on the family farm in Green Island. Ester attended several country schools, graduating from Maquoketa High School in 1953. Ester passed quietly and valiantly in the late night hours on December 20, 2025, with family by her side.
Ester took business classes after graduation working in a local physician office briefly, was a bookkeeper for many years for Andrew State Bank, Maquoketa Livestock Auction, owner/operator of Weirup Lunch Wagon, and the Pacific Coast Feather, retiring after 20 years
Ester married Alvin C. Weirup on March 1, 1959, to which three children were born: Roderick (Rick), JoLene (Jo), and Chad. Later divorcing, Ester moved to Maquoketa.
Ester enjoyed sewing, playing cards, board games, and socializing with friends. Ester welcomed all into her home and befriended easily. Quilting was a favored craft, making many beautiful one-of-a-kind Quilts. Each child, grandchild and great grandchild received a special "made for them" quilt for Graduation and Wedding gifts.
Ester is survived by her children; Rick (Julie), Jo (Jeff), and Chad (Susan); sisters Marcella Heneke, Violet Yeager, sister-in-law Vera Barten; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and Very Special Friends Donna Sweeney and Barbara Schwartz.
Those preceding her are both parents; brother Alvin Barten, brothers-in-law Larry Heneke and Ron Yeager; and nephew Scott Barten.
Family requests memorials in honor of Ester be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Jackson County, or Clover Ridge Place; send to Jo Freeman at 106 N 9th Ave Donahue IA 52746.
