Esther Bushelle

1934 - 2025

Beloit, WI - Esther Bushelle, 91, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 in Beloit Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 3, 1934 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Vaughan) Stearns. Esther was a graduate of Freeport High School, Freeport, IL. She married Jim Bushelle on July 10, 1954 in Freeport, IL. Esther was employed by American Family Insurance as an office manager retiring in 1996. She was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church where she volunteered for over 20 years at the Hannah House and St. Thomas house sales. Esther was a very talented artist, and enjoyed painting and exercising with her friends. She traveled with her husband and lifelong friends Jerry and Shirley to Branson, out east and on several cruises. Survivors include her loving husband of 71 years, Jim; children, Debra Fairman, James (Terri) Bushelle and Jennifer (David) Canik; grandsons, Jacob (Haley) Canik and Lucas Canik; great grandsons, Kenneth and Isaac. She was predeceased by her parents; son-in-law, Marshall Fairman; brother and sister-in -law Ralph (Violet) Stearns. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday November 26, 2025 in St. Thomas Catholic Church 824 E Grand Ave. Beloit, WI, with Fr Jim Murphy officiating. Private family burial will be at Mt. Thabor Catholic Cemetery. Visitation of remembrance will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the church. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com