Monika Hestand

Monika Rita Hestand, age 71, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at her son's home in Altamont, Kansas on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

Monika was born on November 2, 1950, in Stuttgart, Germany to Dietrich and Gertrud (Kucharzewski) Lindemeier. She graduated from high school and furthered her education by earning her college degree.

In her early 20's a mutual friend introduced her to an American Army Soldier who was stationed nearby, Jerry L. Hestand. The two couldn't deny the instant chemistry between each other. It wasn't long before Jerry flew Monika to Kansas where they could reunite upon his return and the two were wed on August 28, 1971, in Coffeyville, Kansas. Jerry preceded her in death in 1997 after 26 loving years together and three children, Brian, Audrey, and Nicole.

Monika had a huge heart. She spent a lifetime caring for others. Some of the jobs she worked were at Longfellow Elementary School in Coffeyville as a Para, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center as a CNA, Wal-Mart, and for two local nursing homes, Medicalodges and Windsor Place where she served as an Activity Director for the residents.

During her youth in Germany, Monika enjoyed running track. She excelled as a sprinter. She did well enough to qualify to compete in the Olympic trials held in Germany. She always enjoyed watching the track and field events on television. Some of her hobbies included crocheting and knitting. She attended her children and grandchildren's sporting events every chance she could. Her family recalled what a great cook she was, especially her German potato salad and Wiener schnitzel. She had a special companion in her cat, Taffy. Monika will always be remembered for her loving kindness; this didn't stop her from having a competitive side too. With smiles and laughter, the kids recalled some exciting games of cards and spoons that Monika was not going to lose.

Surviving to honor her memory are her children, Brian Hestand and wife, Samantha of Altamont, Kansas, Audrey Miller and fiance, Tommy Nguyen of Wichita, Kansas, Nicole Nash and husband, Tanner of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Bryce, Elias and Barrett Hestand, Danielle Roche and husband, Chris, Blake Miller, Baylor and Kane Nash; great grandchildren, Ryker and Silvia Roche; sister-in-laws, Judy White and husband, Tommy of Coffeyville, Kansas, Joyce Lutz and husband, Don of Lane, Kansas, along with several extended family and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dietrich and Gertrud Lindemeier; her loving husband, Jerry Hestand and by a sister-in-law, Jannis Powell.

Following Monika's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Fellowship Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Pastor Greg Garrett of the First Baptist Church in Altamont, Kansas will officiate. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville.

Friends and Family are welcome to sign the guest register at David W. Barnes Funeral Home on Friday, September 2, 2022, from 9am until 5pm.

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR); memorials can be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.