Esther Elizabeth (Madden) Abrisz

Esther Elizabeth Abrisz , 88, of Burlington, died at 6:30 PM Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.

Born July 29, 1933, in Winnsboro, LA, she was the daughter of Patrick Joseph and Rachel Elizabeth Matney Madden. She met her soon to be husband, Richard P. Abrisz while at a roller skating rink, and they were married on July 7, 1952, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. He later passed on March 28, 2015. 

She worked as a seamstress for many years, both at Schramm's and Younker's doing alterations to fine clothing. She then established a home-based alterations business, enjoying many years of success. 

She attended Watsonville High School, CA.

She was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church and served as a deaconess. She loved to read, and passed that passion for reading onto her children. Esther also volunteered at Perkins School to read to the young students there. She always encouraged education in both herself and her children, pushing all six of her kids to earn collegiate degrees, and earning her own GED when she was 48. She loved to garden, both vegetables and flowers, especially roses. She was a wonderful baker, making cookies, large pies, jams, jellies, and other tasty things.

Survivors include five children, Susan  Abrisz of Lynnwood, WA, Cathy Ullery of Burlington, Joe Abrisz of Burlington, Terry Abrisz of Burlington, and Cindy (John) McCrory of Atkins, IA; six grandchildren, Rachelle Abrisz of Burlington, Katie (David) Lann of FL, Craig Abrisz of Burlington, Carissa Tutt of Cedar Rapids, IA, Meredith (Dustin) Yager of Ft. Madison, IA, and Michael McCrory of Cedar Rapids, IA, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Richard David Abrisz, nine brothers and sisters, and one half brother.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Esther Abrisz will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with her son, Joe Abrisz officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery following the service. Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, masks will be required for both the visitation and the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Burlington Public Library.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.