Esther Langland

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Esther Jean Langland passed peacefully at 12:18 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at her home in Neosho, Missouri, at age 98 years, eight months, and four days.

She was born on a farm near Randall, Iowa, on July 5, 1924, to Harry and Gina Hove. Her grandfather, Herman Hove, immigrated from Vik i Sogn, Norway, in 1879 and farmed their homeplace for many years. The family spoke Norwegian as their first language out of respect for the elder Hove. Esther recalled asking her grandfather in Norwegian, “Grandpa, what is Norway like?” His response was, “It’s as sweet as strawberries!”

Esther graduated from Roland, Iowa, High School in 1941. WWII interrupted her desire to go to nursing school. Instead, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in an ammo plant in Iowa. Later she was able to complete her nursing degree in Minneapolis.

She met the love of her life, Floyd Langland, on a blind date in Story City, Iowa. They were married on December 30, 1945, at Elim Lutheran Church in Randall, Iowa, after Floyd returned from his service in the Pacific Theater. Together they raised four children, Joanie (Larry); Wes (Bonnie); Mike (Lynda); Warren (Shelly). Both Floyd and Esther cherished their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At Floyd’s passing in 2012, they had been married for almost 67 years.

They moved their growing family from Iowa to Wichita, Kansas, in 1951. Floyd worked in the aviation industry, and Esther was a nurse. In 1963, the Langland family moved to Neosho. Floyd was employed at Rocketdyne, and Esther worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for Dr. Elburn Smith, DO, and Dr. Ed Porter, DO. In addition to seeing patients at her office, “after hours” found her nursing “the forgotten patients.” The needy, the elderly and the lost. The desire to provide compassion to the less fortunate continued into her retirement. In fact, when she was about 90, she told her children, “All I need is a little old lady to take care of.”

The following poem, written by Esther at her mother’s passing in 1948, somehow seems appropriate:

Mother has gone to that Home above

Where is rest in our Savior’s love

She has suffered much pain in years gone by

But was always prepared, not afraid to die.

She was as wonderful as a Mother could be

Always carried her troubles and woes to Thee

With our hearts that are sick, and eyes filled with tears,

We know she is happy with her loved ones up there.

She leaves Dad and we four who will miss her so

But we can meet her up there some day we know.

God give us strength to bear our loss

And show us the way to our Savior’s Cross.

“What is Heaven like, Mom?” Her reply was, “It’s as sweet as strawberries!”.

Special thanks to Kirsten and Joselynne, her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, who were by her side during the last couple of years, providing comfort and care to their grandmother. In addition, the family wishes to express their gratitude to Robbie and Pete, who were by her side, giving care and companionship throughout her last years.

“Salige er de som dør I Herren,” “Blessed are they who die in the Lord.”

 

Esther will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Floyd, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Neosho Memorial Park Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Neosho, with Vicar Steve Gillmore officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Esther Langland.

Online condolences may be shared at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.