Magda M Esbeck, age 90, of Elk Horn, IA, passed away on Friday, August 08, 2025.
Magda was born on April 14, 1935, in rural Shelby County, Iowa. A daughter of Albert Albertsen and Martha (Hansen) Albertsen. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. She attended rural schools near Audubon, Iowa. She remembered walking three miles one way to school in the snow and mud. At sixteen, she moved with her parents to Elk Horn, to the home she lived in until she passed.
At twenty one, Magda married LaVerne Esbeck. She started working for Weddum Hatchery. A son, Brian, was born. They later moved to a farm Northeast of Elk Horn. A daughter, Brenda was born. Magda and LaVerne divorced in 1976. Magda worked many different jobs through the years until Karen Kite and her started their own business. At the age of 50, Magda began cleaning houses in Omaha and lived with her ex sister in law Belva Jean and her husband Bill Brown. She did this for twelve years. Magda then moved to Kansas for a short time. After returning to Elk Horn, she enjoyed tending to her flowers in her yard, and baking for her Grandchildren and friends. Magda threw parties for her friends and loved to have fancy table settings. Every day was a special occasion. She was a member of the Elk Horn Lutheran Church.
Magda is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha Albertsen; brother Harry (Shirley) Albertsen; sister Elna (Merle) Hartvigsen, brother Milo (Monie) Albertsen; Niece Linda Best; brother in law Bill Brown.
Magda is survived by her son Brian Esbeck of Leshara, NE, daughter Brenda and Neal Larsen of Kimballton, IA, Grandson Matt Larsen of Rockwell, IA, Grandson Colby and Carrie Larsen (CeCe and Charlie), Granddaughter Britni and Adam Ratzlaff (Emery, Brigham and Sylvie).
A celebration of her life will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Exira Event Center in Exira. A private interment will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Magda Esbeck Family; they will be designated at a later date in memory of her. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Services are entrusted with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.
