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Memorial Keepers (1)

Viegut Funeral Home

Mildred Lee Esterbrook

February 9th, 1929 - December 28th, 2024

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Lee was born on February 9, 1929, to Howe and Ethel Gates in the small town of Gates, Nebraska. She attended school in Gates until her high school years where, after the death of her father, the family moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska. After high school she attended Denver Cosmetology School. She married John Arthur Vancil and had five children. She was proceeded in death by her husbands, John Vancil and Frank Esterbrook, all of her 14 siblings, a granddaughter, Amy Vancil, and a grandson, Brandon Vancil and a son in law, Daniel Nelson.

                Her five children and her grandchildren are: John Lee Vancil, his children, Amy Kayleen Hanson, her daughter Sadie, John Vancil and his children, Jenisis Divina Swift, and Ara Angelina. Carol Nelson, her children and grandchildren, Jason Lee, Sarah Rochelle Hawkins, her children Alora, Seth, and Adeline. Samantha Lenae Nelson and her daughter, Sequoia. Jack Andrew Nelson, and Shanae LaRee Zion. Timothy Mark Vancil and his spouse Cindy, their children Isaac and his children Isabelle and Mable Jane. Amber Dawn, and Caresse, her children Osten, and Rosie. Samuel David Vancil and his spouse, Linda. Their children Samuel Jarrod, his child, Aden.  Brandon Douglas, Summer Lee, and her daughter Savannah Love.  Lenny Ray Vancil and his spouse Annie. Their children Nick Owen, Matthew and Rayann Nichole, her children Edmound, and Leena Rae.

                Lee was a generous person, taking at least 3 elderly women into her home to care for them until they died. She was known for her hospitality and loved having family and friends over for a meal. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed producing elaborate meals for them. Her pies and cinnamon rolls were delicious!  She was fond of taking her family members out to lunch and dinner, just being with them. She took delight in bestowing gifts on friends and family. She especially loved making tie quilts for newlyweds and new parents. Many of them have expressed gratitude for such gifts, a reminder of Lee’s generosity.

                Lee always had a puzzle on the dining room table, working on it off and on throughout the day. If anyone came to visit it was always fun to pitch in and try to find pieces to complete the current puzzle. Her son, Tim, was always eager to help after a busy day of work. Friends would give her puzzles that they had finished, and Cindy was always on the lookout for new puzzles for her to assemble.

                Lee and her husband, Frank, lived in Berthoud, and moved to Broken Bow where they had a small farm. She took delight in her chickens, being able to tell us the name of the various breeds. Then they moved to Loveland where they lived for a few years. Soon they answered the call to move back to Broken Bow where they lived until the death of her husband, Frank. Lee then moved in with her loving son, Timothy and his wife, Cindy who unceasingly took care of her. She took many trips back to Nebraska before her death to visit friends and family. She took great pleasure in riding around the rolling hills in the springtime, enjoying the lush green. The land around Broken Bow kept calling to her; it was truly the home of her heart. 

                Like many of her generation she experienced difficulties. She almost lost her life at least three times as a child. She had to work hard and was not allowed to complain or voice her opinion on anything from choice of food to clothing and many other things. She was a tough and silent individual, and she expected her children to be the same.

                One of the most important events in her life was when she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She loved her God, Jehovah and delighted teaching others about Him. She spent many hours talking to others about her God, helping them to learn about His wonderful qualities and dedicating themselves to Him just as she had done. She even taught others how to read so they could learn about her wonderful God. She had strong faith in the promises given by Jehovah that the earth will be restored to a paradise and be full of peaceful, righteous individuals. She was convinced of the promise of a resurrection from the dead as John 5: 28, 29 states, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”  Let everyone praise Jehovah for his loving kindness! This was her hope, and it is sure to come true because it is impossible for God to lie. We will all miss you but look forward to seeing you again soon when all is made new by our loving God, Jehovah.               

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We Entrusted Mildred Esterbrook's Care To

Viegut Funeral Home

Since 2000, Viegut Funeral Home has stood as a pillar of comfort for Loveland families. Our commitment goes beyond the essential funeral services – our dedicated team also extends support with catered events, from traditional funerals to themed celebrations of life in our beautiful chapel and inviting reception room. Additionally, our convenient location in Northern Colorado is within walking distance of Loveland Burial Park, offering ease and accessibility for those who choose this final resting place for their loved ones. At Viegut, we go beyond expectations to ensure that every aspect of your commemoration is handled with the utmost care and consideration....

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(970) 235-2444

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