Esther Hoelscher

Esther Hoelscher was born on Sept. 5, 1907 in Frost, MN., the daughter of John and Carrie Bristal Hanson. She was baptized at Dell Lutheran Church. In 1919 she moved with her family from Dell, MN., to Manchester, MN. She was confirmed at West Freeborn Lutheran Church and attended District 18 and 136 grade schools. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1927. After high school, she went to normal teachers training in Wells, MN., and received her certificate to teach grade school. She then taught grade school for 6 years and after that held various jobs. On May 23, 1936, Esther was united in marriage to Harvey Hoelscher in Hartland. The couple farmed northwest of Albert Lea. During the years when her family was growing, she was a devoted mother and housewife. At that time she taught Sunday school at West Freeborn Lutheran Church and belonged to the Dorcas Missions Circle, Ladies Aid, and later was a member of the Alter Guild. After her family had grown, she worked at St. John's Lutheran Home as a cook. She loved to garden and make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Esther is survived by her son, Steve Hoelscher, Arden Hills, MN., grandson David and wife Tracy Hoelscher and their family Rachel and Rebekah, San Diego, CA., grandson Mark Hoelscher and wife Elaine Schmidt, Milwaukee, WI., grandson, Matthew and wife Heather Hoelscher and their family, Shalin and Calen, Albert Lea, MN. Sister Emma Meyer, Albert Lea, sister-in-law, Evelyn Whitcomb, Ellsworth, WI., and nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harvey, son, Franklin and wife Mary, one son in infancy, 6 sisters; Mathilda Bottelson Moen, Olga Hanson, Jane Johnson, May Myran, Augusta Myran and Jurene in infancy and 3 brothers; Andrew, John and Stanley