Republic - Esther Margaret Syrjanen, age 93, longtime Republic resident, passed away at the Lutheran Home, Wauwatosa, WI on December 11, 2013, where she had resided for 2 weeks.

Esther was born October 3, 1920 in Republic to Leonard and Ailia (Alatalo) Johnson. She was married to Russell Durfee for 44 years until his passing in 1981. She married Charles Syrjanen in 1987 and was married for 18 years. Esther was always a hard worker beginning in the Gossard Co. She and Russell owned and operated the E & R Café in Republic. She waitressed in several area restaurants and was a cook at the Republic-Michigamme School.

Esther had a zest for life and was an excellent baker and seamstress. She loved people and socialized whenever she could. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Republic and their quilting group for many years up until the age of 92.

She was a lifelong resident of Republic until last year when ill health prompted her to move to Milwaukee, WI to live with her daughter. She liked living in Milwaukee, but she always missed Republic and all of her friends.

Esther is survived by her son, Roger (Donna) Durfee, Republic, daughter Betty Jean (Michael) Harris, Milwaukee, WI, stepdaughter Jean Syrjanen, New Mexico, granddaughters Deborah Olsen, Hebron, IL Sara Schneck, Milwaukee, WI, grandson Michael Harris , Milwaukee, WI, step-granddaughter Cory Johnson, New Mexico, great grandchildren, Travaughn Schneck and Jaylana Marshall, Milwaukee, WI, sister-in-law Josephine Syrjanen, Florence, WI, many cousins, niece and nephews and a lifelong friend, Alice Hakala, Green Bay, Wi. plus so many other friends for whom she was very grateful.

Esther was preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, a sister Alice, son Donald and granddaughter Nicole Schneck.

Inurnment will take place in the Republic Cemetery in the spring (per Esther's wishes).

Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, Republic, MI in Esther's memory.