Celebrating her 110th birthday

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Birthdays just keep coming for Esther Groneman. She didn’t expect to live to 100. She turned 110 Monday.

The family gathered Saturday at her home east of Lincolnville to celebrate her birthday. Even at such an advanced age, all four of her children were there.

“I got so many calls and cards,” she said excitedly.

She can’t hear well but still has enough eyesight to read. According to her caregiver, 87-year old Lois Groneman, she reads the Marion County Record every week. She still has an independent streak, getting around the house with the use of a walker.

Groneman has lived in her own home for 88 years. She and Arthur A. Groneman were married in June,1935. He died in 1989.

She grew up as Esther Krause on a farm a mile away and is the last surviving sibling in a family of 11 children.

Her son, Arthur W. Groneman, 81, who lives nearby, manages her farm.

Daughter Nancy Nelson, 76, lives eight miles away and helps with yard work.

Daughter Vida Gianakon, 85, lives in Hutchinson. She and her late husband gave Groneman all six of her grandchildren. She also has nine great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her children, others present at Groneman’s birthday party were Nancy’s husband, Steve Nelson; Art’s wife, Kandi and step-daughter Delaney Smith; grandchildren Susan Dougan and husband David, Marie Gianakon, Mark Gianakon and girlfriend Megan Lancaster; and great-granddaughters Erica Gianakon and Christina and husband Matt Welty.

Groneman’s children are requesting a card shower for her. Cards may be sent to 2872 Banner Rd., Lincolnville KS 66858.