Erma Esbeck

Erma Esbeck, 93, a resident of Colonial Manor at Anita, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2005, at the Manor.Erma was born December 29, 1911, in Atlantic, the daughter of Ferdinand and Sophia (Henricksen) Paulsen of Atlantic, Iowa. She attended country school and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1929.After graduation she worked at Knights Bakery and taught school at Brighton Township # 7, for four years, prior to her marriage to Earl Esbeck, on May 9, 1934, at her parent's home. They farmed in Cass and Audubon Counties and retired to Atlantic, Iowa in 1970. Mr. Esbeck passed away January 11, 1990.Erma was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she was active in Golden Years. She was also a member of the Senior Citizen Center. She enjoyed playing cards and raising pretty flowers. Erma's home and family was very important to her. She was able to be in her home until November of 2004, and then entered Colonial Manor.Survivors include three daughters, Lavonne Bride and her husband, Terry of Sioux City, Iowa, Shirley Schwab and her husband, Gary of Lamoni, Iowa, and Marilyn Behrends and her husband, Bruce of Wiota, Iowa; one son, Gary Esbeck and his wife,Connie of Shawnee, Kansas; eight grandchildren; four step grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.Erma is preceded in death by her husband, Earl; a granddaughter, Kelli Esbeck; two brothers, Peter Paulsen and John Paulsen, and two sisters, Katie Hamann and Edith Jensen.Funeral InformationFuneral services will be held for Erma on Friday, October 21, 2005, at 10:30 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa with Pastor Ken Davidson officiating. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.IN REMEMBRANCE OFErma Irene EsbeckBorn December 29, 1911 ~ Atlantic, IowaENTERED INTO REST October 17, 2005 ~ at the age of 93 years, 9 months, and 18 daysFUNERAL SERVICEFriday, October 21, 200510:30 A.M. ~ Zion Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Ken Davidson ~ Zion Lutheran ChurchMUSICAL SELECTIONSCongregation SingsIn the GardenHow Great Thou Art page 519Heaven is My Home page 515ORGANISTSharon MathiasBEARERSGrandchildrenJohn Paulsen Steve Betts Jim Schwab Trent SchwabKent Behrends Keith Behrends Mark Page Kenny Bride FLOWER COMMITTEEThe FamilyINTERMENTAtlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa Following the committal, Erma's family invites friends for a luncheon at the Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.