Esther Tollefson

Esther Tollefson

June 28,1920-June 23, 2016

Esther K. Tollefson, 95, of Devils Lake, ND and formerly of Maddock, ND, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2016 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND. A memorial and celebration

of Esther’s life will be held at the Nelson Funeral home in Maddock, ND on Thursday, July 7th, 2016 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating. Music will be provided by Jennifer Hagen.

Burial will take place at the North Viking Lutheran Cemetery in Maddock, ND.

Esther the daughter of Edwin and Hannah Westby was born on June 28th, 1920, at Maddock, North Dakota. She attended school in Maddock and was confirmed at North Viking Lutheran Church.

She grew up on the family farm with a loving family during a tough era were people had to work hard and be frugal.

Esther married Waldo Tollefson at Maddock in the early 1940s and they had three children together, Duane, Norm and Lee. Esther and Waldo moved to the O’Connell farm near Brinsmade in the

1950s and farmed there till the late 1970s.

Esther worked as a short order cook at the Crossroads Cafe near Church’s Ferry for many years during the 60s and 70s. Esther was famous for her homemade Lefse and Norwegian desserts

like krumkake and rommegrot. Esther loved fishing at Silver Lake and 6-mile bay.

Esther and Waldo retired to live in Leeds, ND from the late 70s till the early 90s. She was active in the 55 club and loved playing cards with friends. Waldo passed away in 1986.

Esther moved to Devils Lake in 1995 and lived there for 15 years in the Parkplace apartments where she enjoyed playing afternoon pinochle and drinking coffee. Esther was a kind and

wonderful person who had many friendships and touched many lives. Esther lived at the Maddock Memorial Home from 2010 to 2013, where she was well taken care of and enjoyed playing rummy every evening.

Since 2013 Esther lived at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby where she was provided loving care by the 2nd floor staff.

Esther is survived by son, Lee (Naoko) of Yorktown, VA; four grandchildren, Denise, Darren, Maren and Matthew; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Waldo; sons, Duane and Norm.

Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com.

The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock, ND is in charge of the arrangements.