Esther Irene Neibauer, longtime resident of Miles City, MT, passed away peacefully at Holy Rosary Residential on February 11, 2021. She was 93 years old.
Esther was born on May 4, 1927 in Hazelton, ND the youngest child of nine children born to William & Christiana Wahl who had immigrated to the United States from Russia. She grew up on their farm working in the fields, loving and caring for the animals and learning to prepare the wonderful German dishes that we so enjoyed! Over the years she shared many stories & photos of life on the farm, the severe winters and best of all dancing to Lawrence Welk before he was bigtime! She married Henry (Hank) Neibauer in 1947 and they moved to Miles City in the early 50’s joining her oldest sister Lundena and her husband Albert Reich. They had four children, Alex born in 1948, Jerry born in 1950, Peggy in 1953 and Mike in 1965.
Esther was very creative and loved arts & crafts and ran a business called EN Ceramics for a period of time in Miles City, where she sold the items she made. She loved to collect china and glassware and show it off in the huge hutch Hank and Jerry built her. She also was an exceptional baker and cook and worked as a cook at the Custer County Rest Home, the Crossroads Supper Club, the VA Hospital , Friendship Villa and the Red Rock Café. Even though she worked hard and put in long days, her family was still blessed to come home to the wonderful aroma of tables full of baked goods on “baking day”. Some of the German names us kids couldn’t pronounce, but we surely enjoyed eating them! She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and loved being a part of that community and serving wherever she could.
Esther loved country western music and the house was often filled with the sounds of the oldies or the latest and greatest stars blasting from the stereo or radio. She loved to entertain and serve her baked goods & amazing holiday meals, and even at an older age, looked forward to her weekly “coffee with the girls” that she would invite friends from church in to sit and visit awhile.
Esther lived a long and full life and now although we will miss her, we are happy for her that she is with Jesus!
Having been the youngest of the siblings in her birth family, she was the last surviving member of that generation. She was also preceded in death by: Henry Neibauer-husband, Alex Neibauer-son, Kevin Blank-grandson, Andy Neibauer-grandson, and Bob Erickson-son-in-law. She is survived by: Jerry (Deb) Neibauer of Miles City, MT, their son Rick (Danielle)Morris and two children, Jaxsen & Jaycee. Peggy Erickson of Billings, MT, her son CJ Zielie and his daughter Presley. Mike (Kim) Neibauer of Miles City, MT, their children Mick (Crystn)Neibauer, daughter Addylyn and Josie (Shawn) Neibauer, children Andrew, Zoe and SJ, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 16, 2021
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment
Tuesday February 16, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday February 15, 2021
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 16, 2021
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment
Tuesday February 16, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
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Cindy, Paul and Marcus Roehrich says
I am so sorry to hear about Esther’s passing. I remember when grandma passed away she felt so alone as she was the only one left of the siblings. Then this COVID hit making it so none of us could come out and visit like we had planned to do last summer. I just feel for all of those who are living in nursing homes as they don’t get to be with family. My hope is we all learn from having this virus spread around our world so no-one ever has to go through this again. I surly will miss seeing her. I remember the times when we came out she take us to rummage sales. She was a true shopper and boy could she find some cool things. I don’t think there ever was a time she not find something for her amazing china hutch. The love she had for Cheryl and I was something I will always treasure. Miss you Esther and may you find your family on the other side. Love you…
Carolou Chowen says
My most favorite Aunt. I will always miss those awesome hugs. I will miss the weekly letters we exchanged. I was always so happy to have Esther and Hank stay at our house when they came to North Dakota. I am just happy that they are together again.
M J CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Carolyn E Hays says
I am so sorry to hear of Mother Neibauer’s passing. I have been away from MC for so long I don’t know which of her children are still living but my deepest sympathy to all of you. I always had a soft spot in my heart for her and Hank after going with Alex for over a year. Peace to all of you and remember her well. Cooky
Esther Nelson says
I’m glad we got to visit at Christmas. She isn’t lonesome anymore ,home at last ! To the family you did wonderful trying to care for her while she was in a room all along during the Covid time .May God be with you and Bless you both, Jerry , Deb .And Mike and all the family.,we loved her !
Erin, Esther and Terry
Audrey Haumschild says
Hugs to your family. Going to miss our little visits . She was sweet and set in her ways too. She had a cute little smile and loved to have you stop in . I also looked after her sister so have known her for a long time. May you RIP Esther. Love you Audrey .
Josephine Meidinger says
Sorry to here about Esther passing My deepest sympathy to all of Esther’s family
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Mike and family. I’m so sorry for the loss of Esther. I have so many decades of pleasant memories of Esther and your dad. God Bless you Esther. I’m so sorry to see you leave us.
Marjorie Bolejack Anderson says
I have many memories of being at the ceramic shop with my parents. Esther and Hank were always such sweet people. Sorry for your loss Mike.
Denise Harvey says
Such a talented lady! We would wave hello as I walked by and she was in her yard.
Duane Wolfer says
She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her. She always had a smile and a big hug for you
Harriet Blumhorst Graf says
Many loving memories come to mind of Esther and her family during our years in Miles City. What precious thoughts to know she is now in the presence of her Savior, home in heaven.
Wanda Bankey says
Sorry to hear of your loss. She was friend to my grandma Hoff-Ibach and my mother-in-law Lydia Bankey-Ristoff.
Andrew Mangen says
I’m so sorry to learn of her passing! She was always so nice to me when I worked across the street at Mangen’s Electric. She always had a kind word and homemade treats. She loved kids and was a wonderful soul! She will be missed!!
Kind Regards,
Andy “Drew” Mangen