Esther Mildred Sharka, 92, of Rhinelander died Monday, March 4, 2013, at Friendly Village Nursing Home. She was born Sept. 23, 1920, to Abraham and Rachel (Neuswanger) Unruh in Lajunta, Colo. She is survived by her lifelong friends, the Ross family, and her special friend, Renee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Sharka. Mrs. Sharka and her husband owned and operated the Northwestern Hotel until retiring in 1975. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, with services following at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Home Cemetery. (Carlson Funeral Home)