Lydia Anna Marie (Bartels) Troester

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Lydia Anna Marie (Bartels) Troester, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday (March 22, 2002) at Hope Adult Family Home in Kirkland, Wash.

She was born Sept. 26, 1915, to William and Agnus Bartels, at Campbell in the family farm home. She was baptized and confirmed, and on June 1, 1933, was united in marriage to Walter Martin Troester at Trinity Lutheran Church.

They farmed for three years with Walt's father and brother before moving to Lebanon where they were blessed with two daughters. They moved to Imperial where they were active members of Zion Lutheran Church. They taught Sunday School for 12 years and she was active in Ladies Aide and the Missionary League. During these years, she worked in the local hometown drug stores as a clerk.

In 1971, Walt and Lydia had their retirement home built in Redmond, Wash. Lydia's sister, Irma and husband, Jake Jaeger moved ahead into the home and prepared it for Walt and Lydia's retirement and move. Walt built and continued working from his home shop. Both he and Jake worked for The Pfizer Co. while Lydia and Irma worked together at various local companies and tended their homes and flower gardens. Both families were active members in Faith Lutheran Church in Redmond and the sisters were members of the WELCA Ruth Circle.

On May 29, 1983, Walt and Lydia celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and were attended by family, relatives and many of their friends. Shortly after as Walt's health failed, Irma and Jake remained steadfast in their loving care and support for Lydia, Walt and the family throughout his illness. We thank the Lord for Irma and Jake.

After Walt passed away in 1986, Lydia moved to a condo in Kirkland. In 1993, Lydia's health began to fail and she moved in with her daughter, Marilyn, son-in-law, Paul and grandson, Terry. She was able to remain with them until October of 2000 when her health and sight became impaired. She then moved to Hope Adult Family Home to become a member of the "family" there with Danny and Leaja, her 24-hour caretakers. She appreciated them, their hugs and loving care, as well as her new housemates, their families and friends she came to know.

Lydia was a homemaker and helpmate to Walt, loving Mother, beloved Grandmother, and loving Sister, working outside their home throughout the years. She remained faithful to her Lord through death.

Preceding Lydia in death was her husband, Walter in 1986; daughter, Verlene Marilyn in 1934; her mother Agnus; her father, William; brothers, Herbert, Alvin, LaVerne, George, Rudolph, Lawrence and Arnold; and sister Freida.

Surviving Lydia are her daughter Marilyn Schurman; grandchildren, Terry and Sheila Kinder of Kirkland, Maridus and wife, Connie Kinder of Franklin, Tenn.; step granddaughter, Marie and husband, David McNally and step great-granddaughters, Kelsey and Casey all of Woodinville, Wash.; her sister, Irma and husband, Jacob Jaeger of Monroe, Wash.; brother, Oscar Bartels of Franklin, Neb.; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Inurnment services will be held Friday, 11 a.m., at the Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, Wash. officiated by Pastor Noel D. Koss.

Memorials are suggested to The American Cancer Society, The Macular Degeneration Research Foundation, or The Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Correspondence may reach the family in care of Marilyn Schurman, 14045 - 113th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034.