June Eleanor (Olson) Estelle, born in Minneapolis on Sept. 2, 1927, died Jan. 18, 2022.
June graduated from West High School in 1945. She attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a B.S. from the College of Education in 1949. While at the University, June met her future husband, Robert Estelle, in Spanish class. When she graduated and started teaching in Hector, handwritten correspondence and weekly train trips fueled their romance. A year later, June married her sweetheart.
Together, they taught in Bagley for a year before returning to the Twin Cities. After the birth of her first child, June transitioned to full-time homemaker and remained in that role until her youngest child, Caroline, was in elementary school. She then went back to the University to obtain certification to teach English and English as a Second Language.
June taught at Harding, Johnson and Highland senior high schools for 15 years, retiring in 1989. From that point on she focused on being a wonderful grandmother, making a point to attend special events and recognize their achievements. Her grandchildren have great memories of her reading to them and received many of those books as treasured gifts that they will pass on to their children.
June was a longtime member of St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, active in the Women’s Fellowship and the Lucy Cummings Circle. One of her many service projects was the Christmas Bazaar, which was one of the church’s major fund raisers. She and her many church friends devoted countless hours to making elaborate handmade treasures and baked goods to sell at the bazaar.
June was also an avid reader and was a member of the Froula Reading Circle for many years. She loved Christmas and was a collector of Santa figurines. June’s grandchildren fondly remember helping her organize 500+ Santas every holiday season.
During her retirement years she resided at 1666 Coffman and was active on the Social, Dining and Library committees. June avoided Covid and transitioned to the St. Anthony Park Home last year after living to age 94 on her own. She was sad to move and leave her beloved cat, but proud to remain in St. Anthony Park, having lived there over 60 years.
June was preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Olson, and her husband, Robert (Bob) Estelle. She is survived by two daughters Suzanne Estelle-Holmer (Paul Holmer), Caroline Estelle Berger (John Berger), son Robert Estelle, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Animal Humane Society in her name.
