Esther Velma Heidbreder

Esther Velma Heidbreder, age 98, of Lohman, Mo., passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at St. Joseph's Bluffs. Esther was born at home on January 30, 1923, in Cole County, Mo., the daughter of August Gottlieb and Augusta (Bleich) Heidbreder. She lived her entire life on the Heidbreder family farm until ill health caused her she move into assisted living. Esther attended Mount Hope School and graduated 8th grade from St. John's Lutheran School. She later earned her GED, which she was very proud of. After losing her mother at just 14 years old, Esther helped take care of her younger siblings and worked hard on the farm. She lived on the homestead caring for her father until his death, doing all the work involved in running the household. Esther went to work for Tweedie's Shoe Factory as her first paying job after her father's passing. She later began her 35 year career with the State of Missouri, Division of Welfare and Social Services until her retirement in 1989. Esther was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church (Stringtown). She loved attending services every Sunday. She had a passion for music and played the church organ as needed. She later became a member of the quilting group and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) after her retirement. She was very talented at doing handwork which included crocheting and counted cross stitch. Esther loved knitting, quilting, sewing, traveling, gardening and canning. She always had a beautiful row of zinnias that people would see when they drove by. Esther enjoyed her car rides on Sunday afternoons that included a stop for her favorite soft serve ice cream. Esther truly had a life well lived. Survivors include: her nieces and nephews, Carol Driemeier, Marvin Heidbreder (Peggy), Richard Heidbreder (Rosemary), John Heidbreder (Candy), Diane Miller (Kenny), Mark Schmutzler, Rhonda Williams, Dale Schmutzler (Senora), Russell Kennison II (Susie) and Rita Leipard (Robin); many great-nieces and great-nephews; and some great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings and their spouses, Frederick Heidbreder and his wife Alvina, Lydia Fluegel and her husband Walter, Leona Schmutzler and her husband Clarence, and Ruth Kennison and her husband Russell; a nephew, Keith Fluegel; and a niece, Martha Schenewerk. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. John's Lutheran Church (Stringtown), 4420 Stringtown Road, Lohman, MO 65053. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. John's Lutheran Church (Stringtown) with the Reverend Brian Whittle officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow at the church cemetery. A webcast of her service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday for anyone wishing to view by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church; the St. John's Lutheran Church (Stringtown) Cemetery Fund; or the charity of the donor's choice by mailing all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com