Esther Augusta Papenfus

The family of Esther A. Papenfus is saddened to report her passing on January 29, 2025. Esther was just short of celebrating her 95th birthday. Esther, also known as “Grammy” to her four grandchildren, was born on February 20, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI to August Naujock and Katarina Wendt. She attended Bayview High School in Milwaukee, WI, where unbeknownst to her she took classes with her future husband, Arthur C. Papenfus. Art passed away in 2020.

Following graduation, Esther started work as business secretary. During that time, she sent letters to Art while he was stationed overseas. Many love letters later, Esther and Art got married in their local Milwaukee church in 1956 and eventually settled in Golden, CO. They built the first home atop North Table Mountain which became their forever home. Esther and Art would go on to be happily married for the following 64 years.

Esther worked at the Foothills Art Center for nearly 30 years and became a pillar of the community in Golden, CO. During her tenure at the Foothills Art Center, she held many positions including volunteer coordinator, office manager, and events coordinator. A highly valued member of the Foothills Art Center family, a commemorative garden at the entry still bears her name. Outside of the Foothills Art Center she was a master crocheter who inspired others with her famous handmade snowflakes, watched every Rockies game she could, and dazzled people with her snickerdoodles and German potato salad. Esther was a lover of nature down to the smallest snowflake, a teacher to many, and a friend to all.

Esther is survived by her children, Kurt (Joanne) Papenfus, Janet Brull (David, deceased), and Erich Papenfus; four grandchildren, Andrew (Samantha) Papenfus, Stephan Papenfus, Gabriel Brull, and Amelia Brull; and one great grandchild, Henry Papenfus.

Visitation Monday, February 10, at 9:30am at Aspen Mortuary, 1350 Simms St., Lakewood, CO 80401. Funeral services Monday, February 10, at 10:30am also at Aspen Mortuary in Lakewood. Memorial luncheon from 12:00pm-3:00pm at The Golden Hotel, 800 11th St., Golden, CO 80401. Please send memorials to the Foothills Art Center, 1133 Arapahoe St., Golden, CO 80401.