Esther Overmann

Esther Margaret Overmann, 90, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, died at Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND on Sunday, April 26. Born Dec. 27, 1918 in rural Gilbertville, IA to Leo and Martha Schmitz, Esther was the second of thirteen children. She attended school and worked with her family on the farm and for other area families until she moved to Long Beach, CA and married Patrick Overmann on Oct. 3, 1942. She returned to Iowa when Patrick entered the Army during WW II. Patrick returned in 1945 and they spent most of their adult lives in Waterloo, IA. Esther was a devoted homemaker, raising her family and keeping the pantry stocked with canned and frozen fruits, vegetables, and meats. Esther was also an accomplished seamstress. In 2001 Esther and Patrick moved to Riverview Place, a retirement community in Fargo, ND, finding enjoyment in new experiences and acquaintances. Esther moved to Bethany Homes, Fargo, in 2007. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick, her parents, and nine brothers and sisters. Esther is survived by three children: Gordon (Becky) Overmann of Omaha, NE; Bob (Mary) Overmann of Fargo, ND; and Mary (Bob) Coleman of Harmon, IL; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sr. Helene Schmitz and Sr. Dolores Schmitz of Mankato, MN, and one brother, Kenneth Schmitz of Waterloo, IA. Funeral and burial will be in Waterloo, IA. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Homes in Fargo.