Esther Leum

Esther Leum, 90, of Greely, CO, formerly of Westby, died Tuesday, December 06, 2011. Esther was born April 7, 1921 in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, the daughter of Emil John and Hilda Josephine (Rundahl) Berg. On August 22, 1945 she married Ralph Elmer Leum in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. The couple made their home in Westby and Oak Creek, Wisconsin until moving to Colorado in 1976. The couple lived in Craig, Lyons and Boulder, before moving to Longmont in 1984. Esther moved to Greeley in 2010. Esther was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and with her husband was active with the Sons of Norway. With Ralph playing fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer and harmonica, and Esther on mandolin and Autoharp the couple played "Scandinavian and Old Time Country Western Music" with the Rocky Mountain Players for many years. They also played with the Bethlehem Bluegrass Band, the Tri-City Senior Sizzlers, and the Lyons Golden Gang. The couple also entertained at Nursing Homes and the OUR Center. Survivors include her sons Richard (Nancy) Leum, Tampa, FL, John Leum, Florence, S.C. and her daughter Helen (David) Ramirez, Greeley, CO. She is further survived by her sister Lillian Marjorie Leum, Westby, Wisconsin; six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister Helen Klum. Colorado services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Petersen officiating. Howe Mortuary is assisting the family with Colorado arrangements Local funeral Services will be held Monday, December 12st at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby, WI. The Reverend Stephen Minnema will officiate with burial in Our Saviors Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday at the church from 12:00 noon until time of service at 1:00. In Lieu of Flowers and Plants memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1000 15th Avenue, Longmont, CO. 80501. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.