Esther Louise Werges, 90, of Monona, formerly of Garnavillo, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 26, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo, conducted by Rev. Tyler Hoey. Visitation was before services at the church.

Burial was at Garnavillo Community Cemetery in Garnavillo.

Esther was born on April 15, 1935, in Osterdock, to Henry and Hilda (Borcherding) Brase. She had a loving childhood, growing up learning life skills and hard work. After graduating, she met the love of her life, Allen Werges, after he returned from the service. She married Allen Edward Werges on Feb. 10, 1955.

Esther was a faithful child of God and a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. She attended the Messiah Lutheran Church in Panama City, Fla., and attended St. Paul’s and Faith Lutheran Church in Monona. She spent many years volunteering with her local churches. She taught Sunday School and assisted with the women’s church group. She worked for Avon and Farm Bureau. 

Esther enjoyed her animals, lovely flowers, and traveling to Canada and around the United States. From 1988 to 2014, they would spend their winters in Florida. They left the family farm on May 15, 2014, and moved to Garden View Place. She would later live at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon.

Esther is survived by her two children, David Werges, and Pamela (Delvin Glover) Johanningmeier; son-in-law, Sheryl Zittergruen; grandchildren, Lesa (Jason) Reimer, Steven (Lisa) Zittergruen, Tessa (Steve) Shea, Kristopher (Becky) Werges, Kevin (Rachel) Werges, Marcus (Caterin) Werges, Matthew (Carrie) Johanningmeier, Nathan (Missy) Trappe, and Ashlee Johanningmeier; 20 beloved great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Allen, in 2025; her parents; daughter, Mary Zittergruen; siblings, Harold Brase, Ruth Noack; in-laws, Raymond Werges Jr., Ila Eye; and a daughter-in-law, Elayne Werges.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be disbursed to charities of family choice.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.