Esther Witzel Anjewierden

Esther Witzel Stein Anjewierden

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Our mother and grandmother Esther Witzel Stein Anjewierden passed away October 31, 2021 in Draper, Utah. Born February 19, 1933 an only child to Anna Witzel and Gottfried (Fred) Stein in Salt Lake City, Utah, she grew up on a working farm to German immigrant parents who instilled in her a devotion to family and the value of hard work. She was taught to work hard and keep after it, so that one day success would come but that life’s lessons often came hard. Her family later moved to the Avenues and she attended West High School and after graduation began working until she married Dirk Anjewierden III in 1954 (later divorced).

Esther had a keen mind and could accomplish anything she pursued. She said she was born too early because she loved to learn and keep current with all the world’s advances. While raising her children she became a nurse practitioner and worked in long term care throughout her life as an administrator, aide, director of nursing (where she wrote and implemented policy) and eventually worked in home health. While she was proud of her professional accomplishments, her real joy came from her six children (and spouses), 17 grandchildren (and spouses) and 39 great grandchildren. A single mom she did her best to create memories that would bind them together – road trips to Disneyland, San Diego and Zions National Park, puzzles and card games and annual Christmas parties. Her family will remember her for her German cooking, ceramic creations including her incredible Christmas Village and the prized crocheted alphabet blankets she made for her great-grandchildren.

After her children were all grown, she moved in with her parents and helped to care for them as they aged. She began to travel and fell in love with cruising. During retirement she planned temple vacations attending temples with her friend Deanna. In the later years, she moved in with her daughter Karen and her husband Ken who cared for her as her health declined.

Esther was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served valiantly. She expressed gratitude for her testimony of Jesus Christ and His church. She had a love for family history and was devoted to researching her ancestors. As an only child she felt a great responsibility to make sure they were remembered.

Esther is survived by her children D’Anne Campbell, Karen (Ken) Davis, Dirk (Lisa) Anjewierden, Paul (Julie) Anjewierden, Maline (Dave) Johnson and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Ruth Louise and her granddaughter Maline.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday November 6, 2021 at 11 AM. There will also be a viewing for her an hour prior to the service, which will be held at our Mountain View Chapel. Located at 3115 East 7800 South.