Esther Marquardt, 97

Esther Marie Fundum Marquardt was born January 13, 1915, in Battle Creek, Nebraska, to John H. and Emma (Mueller) Fundum.  She was baptized on February 21, 1915, at Battle Creek Heights Church and was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. She was raised on the family farm, attended grades 1-5 in country school, grades 6-8 at St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1933.  She married Herold Howard Marquardt on October 15, 1935, at St. John’s Lutheran.  After marriage they farmed Battle Creek and Meadow Grove, and later near Tilden.  In 1947, they moved to Minnesota and farmed near Dundas.  They farmed until 1974, when they sold and moved to their home in Northfield.  

Esther was a longtime active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities.  She was a 51 year member of Birthday Club, an adult leader of Big Star 4H Club for many years, and was a foster parent.  Together with Herold and his work with the Lions Club, Esther traveled throughout the world for Lions Club International meetings and conferences - including to Hong Kong, Australia, Mexico, England and Japan, just to name a few.  Esther was a gracious and thoughtful woman who loved family gatherings and holidays. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was an award winning baker.

Survivors include 2 daughters: Mary Ann and husband Earl Young of Faribault, Helen Marquardt of Denver; her son-in-law, Edgar Olson of Fosston;  9 grandchildren: Janet Brudvig of Roseville, Carol (Glen) Meyer of Byron, Mark (LaVonne) Young of Rochester, Mike (Barb) Young of Faribault, Jim Young of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Lori (Dave) Lyons of Schaller, Iowa, Brent (Katie) Young of Austin, Kris Olson of London, England, Jon (Dee) Olson of Apple Valley; 11 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Everett (Marlene) Marquardt of Florissant, Missouri;  her sisters-in-law, Lorna Fundum & Anna Marquardt of Norfolk, Nebraska;  nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Herold; her daughter, Phyllis Olson; her parents; her grandson-in-law, Steve Brudvig; 3 sisters: Pearl Gookin, Pauline Beltz and Elvina as a child;  and 4 brothers: Raymond, Fred, Ernest and Walter Fundum.

Esther passed away with her daughters by her side on  Tuesday afternoon, April 24, 2012, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield, at the age of 97.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM Monday, April 30, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. Brent Klein and Rev. David Lyons officiating.  Eulogists will be Carol Meyer and Jon Olson.  Interment will be in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.  Casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Janet Brudvig, Carol Meyer, Mark Young, Mike Young, Jim Young, Lori  Lyons, Brent Young, Kris Olson and Jon Olson.  Visitation will be 1-4 PM Sunday, April 29, 2012, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.  Visitation will continue at the church on Monday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the Lions Eye Bank, Three Links Patient Activities, Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Ladies Aid or the donor’s choice.  

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.