Lucile Fotzler

Forever a teacher, I must say that flowers are a textbook model of human life; planting, growing, blooming, and withering. Along with the early spring blossoms on June 6, 1919, I, Esther Lucile (Deitrick) Fotzler, was born down on the farm in Concord, Illinois to Esther and Daniel
Deitrick who passionately planted the seeds for living a life that would honor the Lord. Our family flourished by adding two brothers, first George then Howard, and we would thrive in our community of many family members, friends, and neighbors. After graduating from Carthage College, meeting and marrying Fred Fotzler, my beloved husband of 29 years, I embarked upon a busy life as a wife, school teacher, and mother to my most considerate, loving and caring daughter, Sharon. Sharons
twice daily visits to the Piatt County Nursing Home these past four and a half years were a source of enormous comfort and always cheered me. I taught thousands of youthful learners over my 32 years' career and always sought to educate my students that home economics meant so much
more than stitchin and stirrin. My spectrum of instruction was both challenged and inspired by promising adolescents, special needs, and your everyday loveable junior high students. My time at Redeemer Lutheran Church, near our home in Rockford, nurtured my faith. One constant that
always kept me from withering in difficult times was reading scripture, which gave me courage in all circumstances and grew my conviction to live for Christ. Life's trials and tribulations were simply weeds in my garden which could be overcome. In my retirement years, I loved to work on a variety of handcrafted projects, meet with my sewing friends, and challenge my creative self. The possibility of a new project ahead of me kept me perpetually encouraged. I enjoyed vacations to quilt shows and
the time spent with all my family. I was lucky enough to experience many travels throughout U.S., Europe, and more. God planted many opportunities during these travels that offered me a chance to share my faith in quiet ways. I have been preceded to the Lords house by my parents, my dear husband,
my brothers and many more whom I have deeply loved and cared for. I will forever be a loving mother, aunt, great-aunt, sister-in-law, and friend to many I leave here. Let us rejoice in what was a full and wonderful life of 92 years, 11 months, and 8 days. I leave this earth on May 14, 2012 with grace and the quiet determination of a butterfly, knowing I have bloomed and grown and gently blown the seeds of my love to all I have known. I am now resting in the arms of our Lord and surrounded by
those who have blossomed before me. I want to especially thank Piatt County Nursing Homes many sweet nurses and staff for their kind and compassionate care of me. In celebration of my life, please come to visitation at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello, IL 1:30-3:00pm, Thursday May 17th. My final Christian service will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 827 16th Street, Rockford,
IL Friday May 18th, 1:30 pm., with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon. Pastor Steven Klemp and Pastor Robert Rub have graciously agreed to officiate. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park directly
following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church-Building Fund 304 South Market Street, Monticello IL, Redeemer Lutheran Church Rockford Illinois, or to the Piatt County Nursing Home, 1111 North State Street, Monticello, Il 61856

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