Esther I. Perkins

Benton, Wisconsin Esther I. (Will) Perkins, 97, of Benton, Wisconsin, died peacefully Friday, February 3, 2012, at Gray's Nursing Home in Platteville. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Benton with Pastor Rodney Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call after noon Monday at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Benton is in charge of arrangements. Esther was born on September 22, 1914, in Pittsville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Otto and Emma (Horn) Will. She graduated from Pittsville High School in 1932 and then attended Stevens Point Teachers College receiving a two year teaching certificate. Esther then attended many night schools and summer schools at Platteville State Teachers College receiving a bachelor's degree in education in 1956. Her teaching career began in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, for two years and then she moved to Benton in 1936, teaching there until 1949 and in New Diggings from 1957-1958. Esther married Carl Perkins on December 28, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on September 3, 1979. Esther belonged to the United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing with the choir for many years. Survivors include her children, Susan Lovell and John Perkins, both of Benton; and six grandchildren, Eric Lovell, of Benton, Jennifer (Mark) Lewis, of Dubuque, Sara (Ken) Alderson, of Madison, Melissa Lovell, of Platteville, Michael (Amber) Perkins, of Benton, and Rebecca Perkins, of Dubuque. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, Kim, Zach, Dakota, Abby, Evan, Tanner, Patrick, Madison, Olivia and Scott; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Lawrence "Doc" Lovell; and her brothers and sisters.