Esther was born October 9, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, IA. to Frank C. Dostal and Mary A. (Rehak) Dostal. She married George L. Kadlec on October 9,1951 at A Little Bit of Heaven in Davenport, IA. She retired from Wilson Foods/Farmstead Meatpacking, where she was an active member of the local P-3 Labor Union and had served as President a couple of terms. Esther was also active in the local Democratic Party and enjoyed being involved in caucuses and elections. Esther spent much of her life sharing her love of gardening, quilting, mushroom hunting, and playing bingo. She took great pride in her Czech heritage and believed it should be preserved. She loved to pass on the Czech traditions of making Kolaches, Zelnickey, Houska, and Poppy Seed Birthday Cakes to not only her own children, but daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. It was never enough to just make them, she wanted them made to her standards! Christmas Eve was a family tradition that stood the test of time. Everyone and anyone were welcome to join the family for oyster stew and chili. Any gathering was an opportunity to tell stories of the past and create new memories for the future generation. She is survived by her children: Linda (Steve) Myers; Sheila (Paul) Stevens; Robert (Penny); Craig ( Julie); Tim ( Lu Ann); 12 grandchildren; Lisa Sander and Chauna Cox, Chanda Adams and Marty Stevens, Jeff and Rick Kadlec, Josef, Ashley and Corey Kadlec, and Taylor Ellingson, Jordan Kadlec and Olivia Palmer; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Arnie (Marlie) Dostal. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings, Marvin Dostal and Helen Merta. Memorials may be directed to the family.