Mrs. Esther Carolyn Neumen

Esther Carolyn Neumen was born in Hannaford, North Dakota, on March 10th, 1929, to Carl and Emma Johnson. She was the 4th of six children and the only girl. She spent the first 10 years on the family farm, before moving into the town of Hannaford with her family. In her teens, she became very active in the Lutheran Church, heading up the youth group and serving as a counselor at Bible Camp. She went on to Concordia College in Moorehead, Minnesota, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. After graduation, she taught physical education and science in North Dakota schools for three years.

While teaching in Williston, North Dakota, she met her husband, Ron, on a blind date. They married about a year later, and moved to Long Beach, California. They had two children, Carolyn and Jerry. Once her children were in elementary school, Esther got a job as Director of the Long Beach YWCA recreational programs, working there for 18 years.

As a woman of strong faith, Esther was an active member of Saint Timothy Lutheran Church in Lakewood, California, for 37 years. When her husband, Ron, retired in 1987, they moved to Sun City, California, joined Faith Lutheran Church there, and continued to be active in church.

Esther loved traveling and cruising, watching sports, sewing, and reading.

Esther is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Ron Neumen.

Esther is survived by her brother Roland Johnson, her daughter Carolyn (Dave) Nell, her son Jerry, two grandsons Robert Nell and Michael (Brittaney) Nell, and two great-grandchildren Emma and Bruce Nell.

Contributions in Esther’s memory can be made to: Faith Lutheran Church, Menifee [faithlutheranmenifee.com]; and Lutheran Retreats, Camps, & Conferences, Oak Glen [LrccHome.com]