Greta Essner

Greta Ellen-Meta Essner (nee Biering) passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, at the age of 90 in Clifton, Texas. She was born on February 26, 1933, in Bozeman, Montana.

Greta was a positive, kind, generous, and accepting soul who cherished her upbringing in the countryside of Montana. She rode her horse to the Cottonwood one-room schoolhouse and graduated with honors through 8th grade. Greta attended 3 years at Bozeman High School and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1950. She began her employment at Gallatin County within the Welfare Dept for one year and moved to San Diego, CA to work for the Naval Air Station in Coronado as a secretary for 3 years. Greta married Ron Essner on 2/14/1953 and divorced in 1985. She then worked at the Social Security Department in Rock Island, Illinois for seven years and transferred to the Social Security Dept. in Davenport, Iowa where she retired 25 years later in 1995. Greta gave her time volunteering for the Bettendorf Police Station and the Bettendorf Trinity Hospital after retirement. Greta enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Greta had a deep love for animals, nature, plants, horseback riding, gardening, reading novels, and bird watching. Other hobbies she enjoyed were playing penny slot machines, traveling, celebrating holidays and birthdays, and watching the Wheel of Fortune on TV. She honored her Danish heritage and navigated through historical events with resilience. Greta was a valued member and participated in the church circle for Asbury United Methodist Church where she found solace and community. 

Greta will be dearly missed by her loved ones. Greta is survived by her daughter Paige Key, her son-in-law Bill Key, her youngest daughter, Erin Freshwater, grandchildren Ashlee Freshwater and Ryan Freshwater, and great-grandchildren Emerson Droen and Porter Droen. She was preceded in death by her mother Elma Biering, father Paul Biering, younger brothers Dayton (Dean) Biering and Paul Biering, and her stepmother Eleanor Biering.  

At this time, no services are scheduled. In place of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Greta Essner.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the family.

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