Esther M. Stephani, age 87 of 870 North Tabor Court, Castle Rock, CO, (formerly of Gladstone), died Monday morning February 4, 2008 at the Skyridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO.

Esther was born December 13, 1920 at the family home in Gladstone, the daughter of Carl and Selma (Froberg) Soderman. She was raised in Gladstone and she was a 1939 graduate of the Gladstone High School. Following graduation she attended and graduated from Cosmetology School in Chicago.

Esther was united in marriage to Steve Stephani on April 4, 1942 in Detroit, MI.

Esther enjoyed a full, fun-filled life, traveling for many years with Steve’s work as a musician. After settling in Detroit, Esther worked as a Nanny for many years as well as working summers with a circus. Upon retirement she and Steve moved to Gladstone to be with her beloved extended family. Esther enjoyed her family, friends, church, entertaining, needlework, gardening, travel and frequent trips to Colorado, where she moved shortly after Steve’s passing.

Survivors include:

1 son; Andre (Nancy) Stephani of St. Paul, MN

1 daughter; Dianne (Gerald) Walston of Castle Rock, CO

Grandchildren; Brett (Marilyn) Walston and Kristin Walston of Colorado, LaVonne (Art) Smejkal of Oregon, Gemma of Washington, Jon, Robin and Rachel Stephani of California

Great-grandchildren; Alex Walston, Eric and Lauren Smejkal, Max and Greta Stephani Lau, Eliana Stephani Bruce and Jack Stephani.

Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Steve on June 28, 2001 and her brother David Soderman in 1996.

Esther’s family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Esther M. Stephani will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.