Fangman, Sr. Esther 1945-2025 Atchison, Kan.
ATCHISON, Kan. – Sister Esther Fangman, OSB, 80, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kansas, died on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at the monastery after a brief illness. The vigil service will be Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m.
Sister Esther was born in Axtell, Kansas, on April 23, 1945, to Paul and Florence Stallbaumer Fangman, who farmed in the rural Seneca, Kansas, area. In 1963, she entered the Benedictine community and served as an elementary teacher in Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas, and Beatrice, Nebraska. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Mount St. Scholastica College, and then her M.S. in education (School Psychologist Program) from the University of Dayton and her Ed.D. in counseling from Idaho State University.
She was director of the counseling program at St. Charles Borromeo parish in Kansas City, Missouri, 1982 to 1993, as well as a consultant and counselor for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Sister Esther also had a private counseling practice in Kansas City. In 1998, she was elected president of the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica, a mutual support organization of women’s monasteries throughout the U.S. and Mexico. During the 12 years of her three successive terms, she was of assistance to Benedictine women not only in her congregation, but also around the world. In 2017, she was elected prioress of the Mount St. Scholastica community and served a six-year term, leaving office in 2023. She was a mentor, role model and counselor to many, particularly in her challenging work with victims of addiction, sexual abuse and trauma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles, Gilbert and Leonard Fangman; and her sister, Ruth Haug.
She is survived by brothers, Lester (Janet), Elmer, and John (Fran); sister, Janie Werner; numerous nieces and nephews, and her monastic community.
Arensberg Pruett Funeral Home (www.arensbergpruett.com) is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica or made online at the Mount’s web site (www.mountosb.org). As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
