Esther Kurtbedin

Poughkeepsie, NY

Esther Kurtbedin, 96, of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on July 5, 2025 at Lutheran Care Center, Poughkeepsie, NY.

Esther was born in Poughkeepsie, NY to Frederick Braun and Marie Steinmann Braun on November 3, 1928. Esther grew up in Köndringen, Germany and upon turning 18 years old, immigrated back to Poughkeepsie, NY were she worked at Vassar College in the student dining room and met her husband, Resul Kurtbedin, Sr, who also worked in the kitchen at Vassar College. They married September 11, 1954. He predeceased her on June 10, 2012.

Esther enjoyed taking care and raising her family, after which, she returned to working part-time at Vassar College for over 25 years. She retired at the age of 72 to lovingly and devotedly care for her Husband Resul, before he passed. Esther and Resul enjoyed their vegetable and flower garden, both working side by side growing a beautiful and bountiful garden. Both enjoyed cooking as well, which they also did side by side. It was always a pleasure for their family and close friends to get an invite to get together, which happened often, for a great meal.

Esther also enjoyed every minute of being an Oma to her 4 grandchildren, and great-Oma to 2 grandchildren.

Esther was a thankful person—always a cheery thank you for a visitor, a helping hand, or for her friends and neighbors at home that checked in on her well-being everyday with baked goods, soups and a visit. She will always be remembered and dearly missed for many wonderful things. A special thank you to Dutchess County Hospice, and the staff at the Lutheran Care Center.

Esther is survived by her son Resul (Beth) Kurtbedin, Jr of Tucson, Arizona, daughters Elvira Marone of Poughkeepsie, NY and Tina (Jim) Karinchak of Walden, NY. Survived by her grandsons Thomas, Michael, and Brian Marone, granddaughter Mya Karinchak, and great grandchildren Ethan and Elise Marone. Also survived by her sister Eleonore Schmidt of Germany, and predeceased by her brother Siegfried Braun of Switzerland, sisters, Hilde Beck of Germany and Elfrieda Braun.

A private funeral service will be held graveside at Bruynswick Rural Cemetery in Wallkill on July 11, 2025 at 11 AM with Pastor Howard Dalton officiating, with burial immediately following.  Memorial donations may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie, NY where Esther was a lifelong member. www.firstlutheranpok.org  Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com