Eleanor Jane Esch, a loving and devoted mother, and grandmother, passed peacefully on February 17, 2024. Born on December 9, 1935, in Beatrice, Nebraska, Eleanor dedicated her life to nurturing those around her, both in her family and her community. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1953 and on September 20, 1959, married the love of her life, Leonard Esch.
Eleanor was a homemaker by trade but an artist by heart. Her hobbies included square dancing, participating in a card club, sewing, collecting bells and cardinals, and enjoyed dogs. She served her community as a 4-H Leader and was actively involved in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Eleanor was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she served in the Dorcas Circle, choir, and Bible study. Her life was characterized by her loving spirit, her dedication to service, and her unwavering faith.
Eleanor is survived by her daughters Kathryn Bowman and husband Doug of West Point, Christine Esch and Deborah Esch of Lincoln; grandchildren, Rebecca Bowman, Elizabeth (Devon) Brahm, and William (Madison) Bowman; great grandchildren, Charlytte and 1 great granddaughter due on June 24, 2024; sisters-in-law, FiFi Crone; Anita Weber; Lorene (Stan) Gere, and Janice Esch; several nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Esch; her parents Forrest and Irma Crone; sister, Margaret (Jim) Orme; brother, Richard Crone; brothers-in-law, Burt Weber and Robert Esch; and nephew, William Esch.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice with Pastor Daryn Bahn officiating. Burial will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery. A family prayer service will begin at 10:45 AM. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the funeral service will be provided at www.ghchapel.com.The body will lie in state at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice Thursday from 1:00 to 8:00 pm, and at the church one hour prior to the service. A memorial has been established to the family’s choice for future designation with the funeral home in charge. We encourage you to honor Eleanor’s memory by sharing your stories, photos, and memories on her memorial page at www.ghchapel.com.
These services have been entrusted to Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.