Esther Elizabeth Smolenski Dahn, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 4, 2026, in her home in Harrisonville, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville, MO, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO.
Esther was born on November 19, 1931, to Stanley and Albina Butrym Smolenski in McConnellsville, New York. She was a 1948 graduate of Camden Central High School and married William Edward Dahn (Bill) on June 5, 1954, in Camden, New York. Esther and Bill lovingly welcomed and raised five children who blessed them with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Although Esther worked various jobs throughout her lifetime, including beloved babysitter, school secretary at Harrisonville High School, and contract specialist at General Services Administration, her passion, her priority, and her focus was always her faith and her family. She was the ultimate nurturing caregiver and a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; her granddaughter, Tanya; her great-grandson, Joshua; her three sisters: Jennie Kimball, Albina Fox, and Thresa Bowman; and three brothers: Stanley, Zygmont and Walter Smolenski. She is survived by three sons: Peter Dahn (Lynelle), David Dahn (Dee), and Timothy Dahn (Maria); two daughters, Mary Michele Hawkins (Randy) and Julie Drew (Patrick); 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
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