Esther Jeannette Barsness, 85

Esther Jeannette Barsness was born September 2, 1926, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Edward and Karoline (Kristianson) Olson.  She was raised on the family farm at Webster and attended Webster School.  She graduated from Northfield High School in 1944 and received her teaching degree at Mankato State Teachers College.  She began her teaching career in Richfield and taught elementary students in the Richfield district throughout her career.  On December 26, 1970, Esther married Fred Barsness at Solor Lutheran Church in Webster.  After marriage they lived in Eidsvold until they built their home west of Lakeville in 1974.  Esther and Fred retired in 1982, and they wintered in Casa Grande, Arizona for many years.  Fred passed away on November 21, 2003.  She moved to Northfield in June 2004.

Esther was an active member of Highview Christiania Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed music, her family, and travel – including trips to Norway.  She and Fred were proud of their family and always made it a point to attend whatever events they could.  She was honest, kind, loving and caring.  Those that knew Esther admired her strong Christian Faith and she will be missed.

Survivors include her step-sons and their wives: Charles and Pat of Randolph, Warren and Beth of Elko, Wayne and Deborah of New Market, Marvin and Dede of Webster; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Harold (LoRene) Barsness of Phoenix;  her sisters-in-law: Ruthie Midboe, Evelyn (Frank) Gates, Doris Barsness, all of Northfield, Irene Barsness of Shoreview, Betty Hossler of Tucson; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her great-grandson Max Carse, and her parents.

Esther passed away Saturday afternoon, July 21, 2012, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield, at the age of 85.

Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Highview Christiania Lutheran Church in rural Farmington with Rev. David Anderson officiating.  Music will be provided by Keith Larson.  Interment will be in Highview Cemetery.  Honorary pall bearers are her grandchildren:  Mark Barsness, John Barsness, Amy Carse, Aaron Barsness, Sarah Ridgeway, Matthew Barsness, Kerri Ingebretson, Rebekah Barsness, Scott Barsness, Isaac Barsness, Benjamin Barsness, Tom Barsness, Adam Barsness and Nate Barsness.  Visitation will be 4-7 PM Friday, July 27, 2012, with a prayer service at 6:30PM conducted by Rev. David Mohn, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.  Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to Missions at Highview Church.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.  www.northifeldfuneral.com