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Esther (Funk) Hansen passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Center early in the morning of Friday, October 27, 2023. Her health had been failing of late requiring hospitalization until the Lord took her home, and she is now at peace with Him.

Esther was born September 27, 1942 in the Winkler, MB hospital to Abram & Mary (Heinrichs) Funk. The family lived and farmed on the family homestead, 6 miles northeast of the small town of Horndean, MB before moving to land near Manitou, MB for additional space. In 1949, after 3 years in Manitou, the family moved to a ¾ section close to the Assiniboine River between Alexander and Rivers.

Esther started her education in a country one-room schoolhouse which had recently opened north of the farm. Along with her siblings, she spent her growing up years helping with chores and gardening, and enjoyed going to summer Bible camps.

Esther did well in school. After grade school, she attended Winkler Bible school and graduated with an Evangelical Teacher Training certificate. She then went to Brandon College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Her first teaching position was at a small school at Springstein, MB. She then obtained a teaching position near Erickson MB. While there, she met a handsome young farmer, Larry Hansen. They were married June 15, 1974 and lived on his family farm. They soon had a family of 2 boys, Henry in 1975 & Andy in 1976.

In 1977, the family moved to Brandon and lived with Esther's mother for a period of time until Esther purchased her own home. Sadly, Larry passed away in September 1998.
Esther worked at several jobs over the years: as a baker at Buns Master Bakery and as a sitter with We Care Services at the hospital.

In 2018, health issues necessitated a move to Fairview Nursing Home followed later by a transfer to Dinsdale Nursing Home where she lived until the time of her death.

Esther loved her boys and grandchildren. She found great joy in reading, music, all things royal and was happiest when surrounded by family. Despite hard times during her life, she never lost her cheerful nature or her firm faith in God and His love.

Esther is predeceased by her husband Larry and her parents Abram & Mary Funk. She is survived by sons Henry (Crystal), Andy (Connie), three grandchildren, siblings Abe (Marian) Funk, Ruth (Bill) Eisler, Merrilyn (Lloyd) LeBlanc, Betty (Blayne) Greiner, Vern (Janice) Funk and Ron (Colleen) Funk) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.