Esther C. Luhn

Esther C. Luhn, 94, of Wood River died Thursday, October 15, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society in Wood River.

Memorial services will be Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Wood River. Pastor Brad Jepsen will officiate. Cremation has taken place, according to her wishes.

Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 PM Monday at the Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River.

Esther Catherine Luhn was born June 21, 1921, at Grand Island to Carl and Tena (Schlieker) Harris. She grew up in Grand Island and Wood River. She graduated from Wood River High School in 1939, and later graduated from Kearny State College.

Esther married LaVern R. Luhn on February 26, 1946, at Wood River. They lived in Longview, Washington for 2 years, and then returned to Wood River.

She taught in several rural schools for 14 years, and Wood River Elementary for 21 years.

Esther enjoyed the many years of teaching in and around the Wood River Community. She was concerned for, and worked hard for each student she taught. She spent many evenings at home grading papers, and preparing lesson plans.

In the rural schools, she was teacher, janitor, and would join in the ball games at recess.

Esther and LaVern enjoyed following Wood River basketball, both home and away. She enjoyed golf, crocheting, playing cards, working with stained glass and fishing.

In their retirement, Esther and LaVern enjoyed taking their camper to Arizona with friends during the winter.

Esther was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Wood River, where she taught Sunday School, served as a deacon, and was a member of Circle 3. She was a board member of Maltman Memorial Library and Wood River Senior Citizens Center. She also volunteered with ESL in Grand Island.

At the age of 9, Esther wanted to be baptized, and was baptized at the Lisco, Nebraska Presbyterian Church. Most importantly was her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. In her elder years, she found much comfort in the Psalms, in particular, Psalm 121. Esther will be greatly missed by her family, and all those whose lives she touched.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Neta Luhn of Wood River; granddaughter Amy Marten and her husband Carey of Grand Island; one sister, Enola Carruthers of Council Bluffs, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern; infant daughter, Jeanne; infant grandson, Charles; one brother, Ernie Harris; and two sisters, Helen Harris and Betty Kenny.

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church - Wood River.