Esther Elbert

Oct. 1, 1904-May 22, 2004

Esther Elbert died Saturday, May 22, 2004, at the Memorial Extended Care in Sidney at the age of 99.

She was born Oct. 1, 1904, in McCook, the daughter of the late George and Olive (Townsend) Elbert. Esther grew up in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1923.

During her life time Esther was employed by the McCook Gazette, Brook's Jewelry and Cottinghams Dress Shop. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernare Elbert and Gerald Elbert; seven sisters, Millicent "Millie" Colfer, Rose Elbert "Sister Aloysius," Agnes Lyon, Mary Pantenberg, Olive Dorwart, Cecilia Geiger and Clare Elbert.

Esther was especially proud of her family and the five members who were engaged in church vocations. Her sister Rose "Sister Aloysius," her niece, Rosemary Geiger "Sister Eucharia," Olive Geiger "Sister Olive Theresa" and nephews, John Geiger "Father Bernard Geiger," and Rev. JD Dorwart who was a deacon. She was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and her father was present at the first Mass celebrated in McCook in the railroad section house in 1882 and who later helped build the first frame Catholic church. Esther also spent many years caring for her mother and invalid sister. She is survived by 18 nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Rosary will be 7 p.m., Tuesday at Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook, Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with the Rev. Gary Brethour, Rev. Bernard Geiger and Deacon Mr. Jason Dorwart officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in her name and friends may call at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook.