Esther L. Kirchner

Esther Lucille Kirchner, age 94, died Thursday, June 4, 2026 at home in Oregon, IL. She was born December 3, 1931 on a farm in Davis Junction, IL the daughter of Valentine and Harriet (Friday) Haberkorn. Esther attended Freeman Elementary School and Lincoln Jr. High School of Rockford, IL with the Deaf class. Esther helped on the family farm with her parents until their death in a house fire in 1987. She then went to work at Clock Tower Resort as a housekeeper in 1989 until she retired in 2007 at the age of 75. Esther married Darwin Kirchner (who taught her American Sign Language) on June 26, 1954 in an outdoor wedding on her family farm in Kings, IL. She became a member of Rockford Lutheran Church in 1954. Esther loved the farm and working with her dad outside. She especially loved working with and riding horses. Her favorite horse being Mickey whom she spoke of often. Esther also regularly attended deaf get togethers at the Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford, IL. Esther was preceded in death by her parents Valentine and Harriet Haberkorn and her husband of 66 years Darwin Kirchner. She is survived by her daughter Carmel (Neal) Dieken of Oregon, IL, son Barry (Tiffany) Kirchner of Machesney Park, IL; 5 grandchildren; Kyle (Erica) Kirchner, Jessica (Philip) Dieken Arellano, Austin, Grant, and Ryan Kirchner; and 4 great grandchildren, Emmy and Maggie Arellano, Camden (Kyle) Kirchner and Carter (Austin) Kirchner. A big thank you and shout out to Serenity Hospice for their phenomenal love, care, and support of Esther and Carmel (her caregiver) these last 4 years. Also a big thank you to Jodi and her horse Timmy for visiting Esther during her time at serenity. A celebration of life service will be held at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home on June 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM until time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is established in Esther’s name to Serenity Hospice and Home and The Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford, IL.