Esther S. Schaefer, 98, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

Esther was born May 14, 1928, in Sandstone, MN to Flossie (Eccels) and Albert Sears.

She was the longtime owner/operator of the East End Café along with his husband, Everett. Esther loved working, visiting with customers, and giving them a hard time. She was a spunky woman that worked until the age of 93.

Esther was very active at Darrow Road Church for many years, she looked forward to going to church on Sunday’s, and going for lunch following church with friends and family. She had a love of dancing, the waltz, polka or two-step. Esther also enjoyed working on puzzles with her husband.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Everett; her sons, Russell, and Marvin Schaefer; her grandson, Michael Schaefer; her sisters, Ruth Mervold and Ruby Miller; her brothers Charlie and Donald Sears.

Esther is survived by her children, Steven (Lori) Schaefer, Cindy Spiering and Terry Spinner; her eight grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and her great great granddaughter; her brothers, Eugene, and Albert Sears.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, 4020 S. Darrow Road, Superior, WI.

A private family burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.