Esther Elizabeth Lahodny, the daughter of Emil Trybom and Anna (McCollum) Trybom, was born on August 18, 1930, in Washington County, Kansas, near Haddam, Kansas, and passed away on September 27, 2026, at Park Villa Nursing Home, Clyde, Kansas, at the age of 96.
Esther grew up and attended schools in rural Washington County, Kansas. On May 15, 1947, she was united in marriage to Donald Kahrs, and to this marriage were born Arlene and Steve. They later divorced. She married Gene Lahodny on August 25, 1969.
Esther was a farm wife for many years near Clay Center and later worked at Boogaarts in Smith Center, Kansas. After she and Gene were married, she joined him in the custom harvest business, traveling from Oklahoma to North Dakota harvesting crops. She drove a grain truck and cooked for their crews for over 40 years.
Esther was a member of the US Custom Harvesters organization. She liked to crochet and make ceramics that she sold at many craft fairs. Esther also enjoyed doing puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene Lahodny; brothers Carl, Marvin, Edward, and Emil; sisters Marie Roberts, Martha Walters, Gladys Simoneau, and June Myers.
Esther is survived by her son Steve (Cindy) Kahrs of Clay Center, Kansas; daughter Arlene Haden of Nickerson, Kansas; 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; one sister Betty Bidler of Spokane, Washington; sister-in-law Jan Trybom; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th St., Belleville, Kansas, with Pastor Stan Ericson officiating.
Interment will follow at the Brantford Covenant Church Cemetery, rural Brantford, Kansas.
Visitation and viewing will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to services.
Memorials are suggested to the O’Connor Animal Shelter and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 326, Belleville, KS 66935, online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th St., Belleville, KS, is assisting the family with the arrangements.
