Esther Einspahr

Esther Ann Einspahr was born June 13, 1929, at Wauneta, Nebraska, to Otis J. and Clara M. (Ditton) Knotwell.  As a youngster, Esther was baptized on April 5, 1942, at the United Methodist Church of Wauneta. She grew up and attended school in Wauneta, graduating from Wauneta High School in 1946.
On Aug. 20, 1950, Esther married Rodney D. Einspahr, at St Paul Lutheran Church of rural Wauneta, Nebraska. She was also confirmed at St Paul’s on Jan. 30, 1951.
The couple settled and farmed on the south divide until 1977, when they moved into Wauneta to make their home. Esther moved into the Imperial Heights in the winter of 2010 and later to the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center in 2016.
Esther not only was a homemaker and assisted on the farm, but was employed at Enders State Bank in Enders and Imperial for 30 years. She was an active member of St Paul Lutheran Church, participating in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the St Paul Choir, the Ladies Aid Group, and taught Sunday school and sponsored the St. Paul’s Walther League with Rodney.
Esther was also a member of the Nebraska Chapter of the National Financial Women’s Organization. She enjoyed reading, visiting with neighbors and friends, playing golf, crocheting and quilting.  Esther was involved in sewing and instructing the craft with the local 4-H group. She especially loved to watch her grandchildren participate in sporting, musicals or drama events.
Esther passed away Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Esther was 91 years of age.
Survivors include daughter Beverly Howard and husband, Michael, of Portales, New Mexico; son Rick Einspahr and wife, Cindy, of Wauneta. Five grandchildren Jennifer (Einspahr) Jenny and husband, Brad; Rogan Einspahr and wife, Ashley; Kayla (Einspahr) Landerfield and husband Adam; Jeffery Howard and wife, Laci; Zachary Howard and wife, Maria. 10 great-grandchildren Miles Jenny, Pacen Jenny, Addalyn Einspahr, Riley Einspahr, Axel Einspahr, Carter Landerfield, Bode Landerfield, Skylar Howard, Grayson Howard and Ryleigh Howard. Local sister-in-law Beryl Knotwell of Wauneta.
Esther was preceded in death by husband Rodney; her parents; brother Otis “Knotty” Knotwell; sister Betty Jehorek and brother-in-law, Lynn; Mother and Father-in-law; Ray and Ann Eisnpahr; brothers-in-law; Jack Neverve and Ron Hill.
Funeral Services were held Friday, Oct. 9, 2:30 p.m. at St Paul Lutheran Church of rural Wauneta, with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating. Interment will follow at St Paul Lutheran Cemetery, rural Wauneta.
Esther’s wishes were for private family visitation.
A memorial has been established to the Einspahr Family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta entrusted with arrangements.