Gayle Estergard

Gayle Marie (Johnson) Estergard, age 76 of Callaway, passed away into the arms of God on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the Callaway District Hospital. Gayle was born January 3, 1939 in Fairbury, NE to Earle and Ethel (Shultz) Johnson, the eldest of three children. Gayle graduated from Fairbury High School, and attended Fairbury Junior College for a time, before going to work at a grocery store in Omaha. Mutual friends introduced Gayle to her future husband, Bob. Their relationship began as pen pals, and blossomed into a marriage which lasted 51 years, until Bob’s passing in October 2010. Gayle and Bob were married on April 22, 1959 in Omaha. After their marriage, they made their home on Bob’s family farm southeast of Callaway. Gayle and Bob were the parents of three sons; Richard, Alan and Brent. Gayle’s faith in God was central to her life, and something she instilled in her sons from their earliest ages. Gayle’s faith allowed her to be a rock of strength for her family, a role she held to the end of her life. She was a loving and patient wife, supporting Bob faithfully throughout their journey together, and caring for him when the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease took their toll. Gayle accepted the challenges of being a farm wife without complaint. She was an expert at making do with whatever she had, which often wasn’t much. Gayle was equally a dutiful, caring, and protective mother to her sons. From 4-H shows to sports and school events, Gayle made sure her sons had what they needed, and was present for every event, watching proudly as they performed. She was content to quietly and thanklessly provide support, and often accepted her sons’ successes as her only reward. Gayle was an accommodating and creative hostess. There was never a shortage of baked goods at the ready, and she could create a hearty and delicious meal with a moment’s notice. Anyone who graced Gayle’s doorway was welcomed and made to feel at home. Though Bob’s illness and passing more recently reduced her sparkle in this realm, she still tried to do the best she could. Gayle was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Callaway for 55 years. She faithfully supported the Church with all of her talents; helping with meals, making calls for the prayer chain, giving her time wherever there was a need, and most of all, praying fervently. Her participation in the Tuesday afternoon Quilting Group brought Gayle much joy, and she valued the companionship, particularly in her later years. Gayle was also committed to her community. She loved Callaway and the people who live there, whom she considered to be, and treated as, extended family. Gayle enjoyed a monthly social club with her farm wife neighbors, past participation in the American Legion Auxiliary, being involved with the Senior Center, and was quick to lend a hand wherever she saw a need. She enjoyed the rodeo, Kite Flight, and the front row seat to the Pioneer Picnic parade that her house provided. Left to celebrate Gayle’s life are her sons: Richard (Cyndi), Alan (Kelli), both of Callaway, and Brent (Ben Adis) of Aurora, Colorado; grandchildren Stephanie (Heath) Paulsen of Oconto, Melissa (Jesse) Pandorf of Kearney, Matthew Markham & Angela of Omaha; Justin (Brittany) Estergard, and Dylan Ramsey; five great-grandchildren; brother Robert (Norma) Johnson of Lincoln, and sister Jean (Ed) Schultz of Bellevue; along with many nieces and nephews. In eternal life, Gayle joins her husband, Bob, and her parents. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 24 from noon to 8:00pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE, with the family receiving friends from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, September 25 at the Callaway United Methodist with Pastor Chad Boling officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway. The casket will not be open at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway United Methodist Church or the Callaway Good Life Center. Govier Brothers Mortuary is supporting the family with arrangements.