Esther Jager Eckel, age 100, of Imlay City (recently of Lapeer), MI died Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Devonshire Retirement Village of Lapeer, MI. Esther Mae Brandt was born July 19, 1921 in Holland, MI. She was the daughter of the late Almon and the late Anna (Nykamp) Brandt. Esther grew up and lived most of her life in Imlay City, MI. She attended Blacks Corners Country School. Esther worked on her family’s farm. She married Jake Jager in 1940. Jake preceded her in death in 1982. Esther married Melvin Eckel in 1990, he passed away in 2008.
She was a homemaker, raising her family. Esther was a member of Imlay City Christian Reformed Church. She enjoyed taking walks, traveling and camping.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Judy (Glenn) Herron of Clarkston, MI: son, Douglas (Kathie) Jager of Port St. Lucie, FL; her sister, Shirley (Ronald) Gruizinga of Kalamazoo, MI; sister-in-law, Kathy Brandt of Imlay City, MI; grandchildren, Michelle (Thomas) Centi, Melissa (Blane) Bollaert, Melinda (Scott) Barnes, Todd (Natalie) Jager, Stacey (Robert) Savage, Christa (Jason) Crist, and Lisa (Garret) Olson; and her 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jake Jager and Melvin Eckel; sons, Ronald Jager and Dean Jager; her parents, Almon and Anna Brandt; sisters, Gladys VanderPloeg, Myrtle “Myke” Vlieg, and Ruby Meyer; and her brothers, Bud, Lindy, Al, Larry and Bob.
The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 Cedar St., Imlay City, MI. Reverend Alex Snider, pastor of Imlay City Christian Reformed Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Imlay Township Cemetery.
The family will be available for visitation 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 7 at Imlay City Christian Reformed Church.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may direct them to Imlay City Christian School, 7197 E. Imlay City Rd., Imlay City, MI 48444 or Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 Cedar St., Imlay City, MI 48444.
Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.
Please be sure to sign the online register at muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the family.
