05/27/2026
We give thanks for Erma, a beautiful and faithful servant.
Erma Hesterberg, 93, of Pontiac, Il. passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Evenglow Tjardes Health Center of Pontiac.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 210 Deerfield Road, Pontiac, Il. 61764. All are invited to stay for a time of fellowship and sharing following the service. Interment will be held privately at Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Il. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Erma Hesterberg was born at Litchfield, IL on July 9, 1932. She was the seventh and youngest child of Fredrich and Margaret (Hartmann) Hesterberg. She attended Zion Lutheran Grade School, Litchfield Community High School and received her BA (1954) & MS (1962) in Home Economics Education from Illinois State University. Erma taught Vocational Home Economics at Hopedale High School for four years and spent the rest of her career teaching at Pontiac Township High School. During her career she was sponsor of “Z” Club, FHA, sweetheart ball committee and PTHS curriculum committee.
After retiring from teaching Erma was employed for seven years as Food Service Director at Evenglow Lodge. She was then employed by Pontiac Dairy Queen until retiring at the age of 82.
Erma was a 50-year member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Region 26 branch of IL Education Committee and Retired Teachers’ Association. She was an active member of the FCCLA Foundation for many years.
Erma is survived by sister-in-law Arleen Hesterberg, and nieces and nephews: Paul, Ervin, Debbie & Michael Hesterberg; Evelyn Miller; Marvin Schluter; David, Dan & Norman Peters; Jamie Spangler; Donna Craig; and Linda Weilnau. She is also survived by her special children: Beth McCleary & family, Matt Shipton & family, Laura Baumgardner, and Kirsten & Aaron Schulz. She was proceeded in death by her siblings and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations in Erma’s name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 210 N. Deerfield Rd., Pontiac, Il. 61764.
Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.
