Esther Mikulka

Esther Louise Mikulka, 93, of Topeka, passed away Friday, March 9, 2007 at McCrite Plaza, Topeka.

She was born February 17, 1914 in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Walter and Minnie Landis Zimmerman. Esther was a graduate of Topeka High School.

She had worked over 20 years in the Dietary Department at the Menninger Foundation and was later a homemaker. She was a member of the Philip Billard Post #1650 V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

Esther loved her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.

She married Marvin Hawkins. They divorced. She later married Thomas J. Mikulka. They divorced in 1976. She was preceded in death by her parents and step father James Jeter. Survivors include her daughter, Phyllis Hawkins Nickelson and her husband James (Bob), Topeka; her son, Thomas P. Mikulka and his wife Debra, Chanute; her grandchildren, Becky McKinney, Topeka; Pam Vaughn, Lyndon; Kim Fletcher, Topeka; Rob Nickelson, Topeka; Alexandra Mikulka, Chanute; eight great grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and two brothers, William Zimmerman, Redding, CA; and James E. Jeter, 29 Palms, CA.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at the Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery. Mrs. Mikulka will lie in state and the family will greet friends from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.