Esther L. Colwell, a long-time resident of Hastings, Minn., passed away June 28, 2012, at Regina Nursing Home. Esther was hostess for the city of Hastings and an avid bridge player. She was born to Herman and Lulu Heyland in Peabody, Kan., on Jan. 4, 1917. She married John V. Colwell, Sr. on March 31, 1940, in Peabody.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and four brothers. She is survived by her son, John V. Jr. (Jan Mogen); grandchildren, Adam (Karla) Colwell; Amy (Christopher) Bluhm; and Cammie (Derek) Flynn; great-grandchildren, Emma and Henry Colwell; Kieran, Ananda and Lulu Bluhm; Ashlyn Mogen and Taylin Flynn; sister-in-law, Shirley Heyland; and niece, Cindy.

A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Doug Duin, was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. July 2 at Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring St., Hastings. A visitation was one hour prior to the service. A private interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers are Adam and Karla Colwell; Amy and Christopher Bluhm; and Cammie and Derek Flynn.

Visit http://www.wisefamilyfh.com to view the memorial video and sign the online guestbook.