Esther Maxine Schank

Born on February 8, 1923, in Earlham, Iowa. Esther moved to Carrol, Nebraska in 1927 and then moved to Colorado in 1934. She graduated from Greeley High School in 1940. She was the beloved daughter of Seth Allen and Lessie Mae (Beaton) Maricle and the devoted wife of Thomas D. Schank, whom she married on October 30, 1943 in Oakland, California. Following Thomas's active service in the U.S. Air Force, the couple returned to Greeley in 1945, where they built their life together and raised their family on two different family farms.

Esther was a loving and dedicated mother to her four children: Barbara Ann Cox, of Greeley, Colorado; Carol Lee Brunz, of Redlands, California; Thomas Larry Schank, of Greeley, Colorado; and Constance Mae Nelson, of Greeley, Colorado. Her family was the center of her world, her love extended to eight grandchildren, Kerrie (Kris) Melby, Jodi (Lance) Cox, Michael (Lindsay) Cox, Will (Andrea) Brunz, Thom (Emma) Brunz, Eric Potter, Kellie Peterson (Robert Jaros), Kristina (Eric) Brott, 19 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Esther played an integral role in both the family farm and the family business, Schank Feed and Seed Company, where she helped keep the books and supported the operations behind the scenes. She was a passionate advocate for special education in Greeley, quietly and effectively working to improve the lives of students with special needs. Her quiet determination and deep compassion left a lasting impact on the community.

Esther always wanted to support her childrens' interests and passions. While Thomas loved horses, Esther always appreciated them from a distance. She was always happy to take her kids to horse shows, competitions, and trail riding near and far. Esther and Tom's love and passion for horses now continues with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A talented seamstress, Esther lovingly made clothes for her children as they grew up. She was the assistant leader for her childrens 4H sewing groups; Esther wanted to teach sewing to anyone who was willing to learn. Whether it was holidays, birthdays, or family reunions, Esther never hesitated to lead the charge. She would cook huge meals, set tables, and make sure no one was left out or went home hungry. She also found joy in playing bridge, dancing with Tom, and going to the mountains. Esther lived her life grounded in a deep and abiding Catholic faith.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Lessie Maricle; beloved husband, Thomas; her daughter-in-law, Mary Commons; her sons-in-law, Mike Kyne, Jack Brunz, Mark Hyk, and L.R. Nelson; and her siblings, Gladys (Maricle) Morris, Robert Maricle, Harold Maricle, and Shirley (Maricle) Mace.

Esther leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, unwavering love, and a life well lived.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.at Stoddard Funeral Home; 3205 W. 28th Street; Greeley, CO. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Avenue; Greeley, CO. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th Street; Greeley, CO.