Ether Johnson

Esther Lydia (Hanke) Johnson, age 97, of Early, Iowa, died July 3, 2004, at Hamilton Hospital in Webster City, Iowa.

Esther was born in Sac County, Iowa, on July 19,1906, to Emil and Kathryn (Schramm) Hanke. She was baptized on August 19, 1906, and confirmed on March 20, 1921, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cook Township. She was later a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church in Early. Her steadfast faith in her Lord and Savior bore fruit in her life as she served God and helped her family and fellowman.

As a young woman, she was employed at Adams Ranch as a personal cook for the Adams family. Esther was married at the Cook Township Immanuel Lutheran Church to Virgil R. Johnson. She and Virgil farmed in Ida and Sac County for several years. When Virgil’s health failed, they moved to Early where she helped her husband with the Boyer Valley Construction Company until retirement. She spent many hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. Nothing pleased her more than arranging flowers for the altar at her church. For several years she managed the Hoffman Flower Shop in Storm Lake. She enjoyed baking rolls, bread, and cookies, especially for her grandchildren. Many will remember her crocheted scratchers, which have been used by people in all fifty states and in foreign countries.

In 1991, due to failing eyesight, she moved to Webster City, Iowa, to be closer to her family. To the end of her life she missed her church and friends in Early.

Esther is survived by two daughters: Barbara and husband, William Evans of Webster City, and Lois Jane and husband Evan Dilks of Palmdale, CA; also by a son-in-law, James Harber of Webster, South Dakota; twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a niece Arloa Rapple and husband Darlow of Humboldt, IA, many cousins and several great-nieces.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Virgil; youngest daughter, Shirley L. Harber; grandson, Benjamin Evans; and her brothers Louie and Arthur Hanke.

Esther had a great zest for life. She especially enjoyed family gatherings, visits from her grandchildren and traveling. To the end she was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. Esther loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Memorial services for Esther will be held Saturday, July 31st, at 11:00 am, at Faith Lutheran Church in Early with Pastor Charles Bettin and Pastor Travis Schmidt officiating. Carol Wendel will accompany Pastor Travis Schmidt with special music. Honorary pallbearers include the following: Laura Lentzkow, Bart Evans, Jon Evans, Kathy McDonald, Evan R. Dilks, Linda Miles, Douglas Dilks, David Dilks, Daniel Harber, Emily Moody, Dennis Harber, and Mitzi Brandon. Burial will be at the Early Union Cemetery, Saturday, July 31, 10:30 am, prior to the memorial service, under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home. There will be no visitation.