FERNAU-KEIM, Esther Eliza

Esther Eliza Keim was born on October 26, 1915 at the home of her parents, Williams James and Lenna (Sarah Lorenda) Pense Hastings. Adjoining lands linked the homesteads when her parents were married. Esther was the last of four girls and the only one born in the new frame house. Born in the sod house were Lenna Margaret Johnson and Alice Inez Graham, who are both deceased, and Joy Amelia Williams. Esther attended Rural School District #54 and finished the eighth grade in Springview District #56. Esther was always studious, loving best anything associated with music. She grew up attending local barn and house dances. As she grew older, she began to widen her horizons. She met and later married Willard George Fernau. To this union were born Dorla Dene Fernau of Salem, Oregon; Deana Dail Fullerton of San Francisco, California; Lenna Ladora Anderson of Winner, South Dakota; and a son Willard Gordon Fernau who preceded his mother in death. When that marriage failed, with children grown and gone Esther went back to school at Stewart's School of Cosmetology. After 50 years followed a second career. She owned and operated a very successful business in Valentine, Nebraska. During this time her children married. She loved the joy of becoming "grandma" to eleven precious ones whom she she cherished and, in time many great grandchildren. She will be missed by nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends. Many of the latter were from her local United Methodist Church of which she and the children had become members in the past forty some years. In 1973, she met and married for a second time. She and husband Ray H. Keim, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 26, 1998. Esther departed this life, on September 23, 1998 at the Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Ray; her three daughters, eleven grandchildren, a sister Joy Williams, of Ainsworth; a stepson, Steve Keim of Twin Falls, Idaho and a stepdaughter, Patty Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona and their children and grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 28, 1998 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth. Pastor Gerald Schwarz officiated the services. Esther was laid to rest beside her son, Gordon in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Music was provided by Marilyn Williams and Deanna Taylor. Casket bearers were Dick Finley, Glen Kloppel, Bob Coleman, Manny Osborn, Jack Jones and Jerry Jackman. Honorary casket bearers were All of Esther's Other Friends and Family. Memorials were suggested to the United Methodist Church or the donor's choice. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements.