Esther M. Nielsen passed away July 26, 2026. She was born on April 1, 1928, to John and Therodora (Novak) Furmanski in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. She moved to Garfield Table, Nebraska, in March 1940 and attended Garfield Grade School and Gandy High School. She moved to Arnold, Nebraska, in 1947 and married Donald E. Nielsen on October 29, 1949. They then moved to Stapleton and later North Platte, Nebraska. She moved to Laramie, Wyoming in 1960, and was employed by the Albany County School District in the high school hot lunch program, retiring after 22 years of service.
Esther enjoyed quilting, cooking for her family, playing cards and going for walks. She was a member of the altar society at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Esther is survived by son Gary Nielsen and daughter Carolyn Herman, both from Laramie, Wyoming; son Alan (P.Z.) Nielsen of Barnes, Wisconsin; and son Daniel of Fruita, Colorado. She is also survived by her grandchildren David, Kristin, Brittany, Elise, Kristian, Michael and Nicole; Her great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Zachary, Justin, Keaton, Adley, Niko and Axel; and her younger sister Mary Furmanski-Fogel, who lives in Geneva, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; and siblings Robert, Clement, Genevieve and John Jr.
A Memorial service will be held at Mongomery-Stryker Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 11th at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie, Wyoming.
We enjoyed Esther at the Worship times at Spring Wind, Sunday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. She always told us she liked to sing. She was such a sweet lady!
Gary and family, Very sorry to hear of your loss. We loved having your parents as neighbors. Your mom made the best home made bread. We'd visit with Don, maybe give them a zucchini or trade a tomato or two and he'd always show up later with some of your mom's wonderful bread. We miss having them across the street. We'll be thinking of you all. Storm and Rene Sollars
Esther was a wonderful woman. I always enjoyed playing pinochle with her and seeing her quilting accomplishments. I know that she will be missed by all of her family. I know that she loved all of you very much.
Carolyn, sorry to hear the passing of your mom. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Eunice Lambert
Carolyn, I am very sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gary and Carolyn sorry to hear your mom and my aunt passed I remember her as the wonderful caring person when we lived in Stapleton. Praying for you both and your families.
Gary and family, Storm and I are both so sorry to hear of Esther's passing. We always enjoyed having your parents as across the street neighbors. They set the bar pretty high as neighbors go. Don kept a mean yard, and your mom Esther made the most wonderful bread! If we would share tomatoes or zucchini Don would always show up later with a loaf of your mom's wonderful bread. We miss having them across the street. Will be thinking of your entire family during this time. Much love. Storm and Rene Sollars
Carolyn, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carolyn, your mom always had a smile when I saw her. Such a sweet lady. So sorry for your loss. Janie Moore