Esther Helen Gies

Born and raised in rural Iowa, Esther was the third of eight children born to the Rev. Fredrick and Helene (Graf) Ide. With so many siblings and an acreage with farm animals and pets to entertain her, she had a busy and happy childhood. After graduating from St. Ansgar High School, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Esther then worked as the manager of a filing dept. at Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company in Waverly.

Esther was married to the Rev. Waldemar (Walt) Gies on August 21, 1947 and moved to Western Nebraska. Their two boys were born there, and a daughter followed while they were serving a parish in Eastern Nebraska. Two more daughters were born in Waverly, where Walt taught at Wartburg College for 29 years. Not only had Esther and Walt attended Wartburg, but all five of their children and two grandchildren graduated from there. Esther and Walt retired for 16 years in Arizona, where they enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends.

When Walt’s health began failing, a move to Longmont, CO was next to be closer to family. Following Walt’s death in 2001, Esther moved to Hover Manor in 2002, and eventually to Beatrice Hover Assisted Living in Longmont, where she enjoyed the family atmosphere and getting to know new friends and neighbors. Esther was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her green thumb and love of plants and flowers, her sunny disposition, generosity, and love of family and friends. Esther was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Esther is survived by four children; Waldemar (Kathy) Gies of Rochester, MN, Stephen (Cathy) Gies of White Bear Township, MN, Gretchen (Steve) Tripolino of Cedar Falls, IA, Roberta (Paul) Fjeld of Longmont, four grandchildren; Elizabeth (Robert) Krussow, Christopher Tripolino, Hannah (Aaron)

Arnold and Noelle (Christopher) Roberts, five great grandchildren; Shiloh, Avdon, and Brielle Tripolino and Louis and Thomas Krussow. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Naomi Speaks, granddaughter Leah Speaks Gies; sisters Ruth Dusenberry, Margaret Standley, Selma Serfoss and Barbara Moore; brothers Herbert Ide, Conrad Ide and David Ide.

A memorial service for Esther will be held Monday April 17, 2023 at 1pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.