Esther Royse

Racine- Esther (Nordentoft) Royse, 90, entered her "Forever Home" to be with her Lord on Sunday morning, November 11, 2012, at her Senior Living Home, "New Beginnings". As beloved family and friends bid her a temporary good-bye, she was welcomed on "The Heavenly Shore", by loved ones, friends and family who had made the journey ahead of her. She immediately received the precious embrace of her Lord. He whispered in her ear…"Well Done" and then escorted her, accompanied by her special Angels, to her reunion party. Esther's 'sweet smile' which has left an imprint on our hearts, continues to brighten the hearts of all she meets , as she sets up new residence….taking her special spot in the "cloud of witnesses" , cheering each of us to run the race well! Esther was born in Racine, Wisconsin September 20, 1922 to Danish parents, the late Magnus and Anne Nordentoft. She was united in marriage to Rev .C. E. Royse, December 7, 1962, in Racine. She retired from Twin Disc Clutch Company of Racine after 20 years of service. Esther loved music, singing in various music groups, choirs, quartets, trios and duets. She was a member of Taylor Ave Church of the Nazarene, Racine, Wisconsin. Her parents were charter member s at its founding in the fall of 1922, making her one of churches first newborns, 90 years ago! She is survived by daughter , Donna Jean (The Rev. Ronald) Frye of Racine, WI; sons, The Rev. Dr. Dan Magnus Geeding, of Wauwatosa, Mr. David (Sue) Royse of Tennessee, Mr. Ronald (Cheryl) Royse of Florida, and Mr. Steve (Val) Royse of Washington State; Grandchildren, Melissa (Shawn) Goodin of Caledonia, Heather (Josh) Childs of Nashville, TN, Ron (Terry) Royse, Jr. of Phoenix, Az., Yvonne (Tim) Herd of Michigan, Jennifer (Brent) Wasser of Lake Geneva, Troy (Lisa) Royse of New Berlin, and Dawn (Jeff) Royse of Hibbing, Minnesota; 16 Great-grandchildren. Nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Royse, daughter-in-law Sylvette Rivera Geeding, brother, Mr. Harold "Norty" Nordentoft, sister, Edna Smith, and Nephews Mr. Paul Smith and Mr. Tim Smith Visitation and Funeral Services will be held in the Taylor Ave. Church of the Nazarene (2100 Taylor Ave.) on Friday evening ,November 16, 2012 with visitation from 5pm-7pm and Funeral at 7pm with The Rev. Vito Monteblanco and The Rev. Dr. John Mackett officiating. A dessert Reception will follow services. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park Saturday November 17th at 10 a.m. A Car processional will begin from the West Lawn Cemetery entrance to the gravesite. Following service a "Fellowship Coffee" will be held at Taylor Ave. Church of the Nazarene fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to: Light House Recovery Ministries, Inc. (920 Wilson Street, Racine Wi.53404), New Beginnings Alternative Living, (6545 Lincolnshire Rd., Racine, WI.), Home & Hospice Advantage, (951 Main Street, Suite 120, Union Grove, WI. 53182), or to Taylor Ave. Church of the Nazarene.

Esther Royse

September 20, 1922 - November 11, 2012