Esther Anderson

Esther Olivia Janzen was born February 3, 1916 to Cornelias and Marie (Haseman) Janzen in Darfur, MN. She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Darfur and confirmed on June 8th, 1930. Esther attended Darfur school and Martin Luther school in New Ulm. On May 2nd, 1939, Esther was married to Elmer Anderson in Darfur. After their marriage they farmed near St. James until Elmer's death in 1964. Esther then worked at St. James schools from 1966 until her retirement in 1982. Esther was a member of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church and was active in choir, Sunday school, circles, youth group counseling and was a church pianist. She and Elmer were members of the Minnesota Flying Farmers and she was Minnesota Flying Farmers Queen in 1960. Esther gave piano lessons to local youngsters for many years and enjoyed her recitals and her students. She was active in the St. James Hospital auxiliary and Watonwan County extension clubs. Esther enjoyed gardening, reading and carried a deep love of children. Esther is survived by her sons; Herbert (Pam) of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Ted (Cindi) of Elko, MN; and a daughter Jeannie Marcil (Ev) of Seattle, WA. Four grandchildren; Stacie Nordvold (Rick) of Chaska, MN, Jennifer Anderson (Chad) of Bloomington, MN, Matthew Gaston of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Lindsay Marcil of Seattle, WA; four great-grandchildren, Lauren, Teddy and Elizabeth Nordvold of Chaska, and Jacob Anderson of Bloomington; one brother, Walter Janzen (Helen) of Darfur; and many nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; three brothers, Art, Marvin and Oliver Janzen; and three sisters, Laura Uhlhorn, Eleanor Firchau and Erna Ahern.