Esther Duncan

DUNCAN, ESTHER MERRICK   Esther Merrick Duncan, 101, of Watertown, Wisconsin passed away on March 21, 2015. She was born on February 14, 1914 at home to Stanley and Florence Merrick in Tunnel, New York, during a snow storm. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Wesley, Oliver and Lee and one sister, Eleanor.   She led a most interesting life which included a trip she made from Modesto, California to Illinois, by hitch-hiking 2700 miles with 38 different rides for 6 1/2 days, costing five dollars and some cents.  In 1949, she married Harry Duncan from Cincinnati, Ohio. They traveled extensively interviewing prominent people for a series of volumes of biographies they edited. They were married for over 40 years, retiring to Florida in 1976. She continued to write in the Citrus County Chronicle from 1986-1993 and then returned to Wisconsin, where Harry died in 1994.  In 2000, John Wilson became her constant companion until his death on March 15, 2015. Esther had a deep love for cats, horses and nature.  She is survived by two nieces, Gail Lee of Crescent City, California and Jorja Merrick of Canton, Texas, three nephews, Roger Merrick of Red Granite, Wisconsin, Garth Merrick of Amarillo, Texas and Gary Murphy of Franklin, North Carolina along with many great nieces and nephews.  There will be a visitation on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marshall. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Paul Anderson officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday March 31, 2015 in Elburn, Illinois.

Visitation

Monday, March 30, 2015 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
605 Madison Street Marshall 53559, United States

Service

Monday, March 30, 2015 12:00 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
605 Madison Street Marshall 53559, United States