Esther L. Werges

MONONA, IOWA

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

Esther was born on April 15, 1935, in Osterdock, Iowa, 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 February 10, 1955.

Esther was a faithful child of God and a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo, Iowa. She attended the Messiah Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida, and attended St. Paul’s and Faith Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. 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; twenty beloved great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Allen in 2025, her parents, Henry and Hilda Brase; 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 various charities by the family.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Garnavillo Community Cemetery in Garnavillo. Rev. Tyler Hoey will officiate. Funeral Luncheon to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

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