Esther Bertha Hansen, age 94 of Austin, died Saturday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2004, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home.

She was born Aug. 3, 1910, at Deer Creek, Minn., the daughter of William and Martha (Luth) Weber. On Feb. 14, 1940, she was united in marriage to Eric Hansen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Myrtle. They lived and farmed for 31 years near Deer Creek, before moving to a farm southwest of Austin where they lived for 18 years. They later moved to a farm east of Austin, living there for 16 years before moving in to Austin. Eric died on Nov. 11, 1986. Esther continued to live in Austin where she loved to garden and her flowers were a showcase around her home. Esther worked at St. Olaf Hospital as a dietary assistant from 1956 to 1972. She also enjoyed crocheting which she gifted to many people. She took joy in giving to others as well as giving and receiving cards. She was a former member of Trondjem Lutheran Church where she was an active member of the Ladies Aid. While living in Austin, Esther was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and a long time member of the Eagles Club. Her family was very special to her. She was much loved by all of us and we will miss her special love and wonderful smile. She loved life and enjoyed everything about it. Her coffee friends, Jerri, Leihah, Murene and the Hardee bunch were the high lights of many of her days.

Survivors include her daughter, Lois (Gary) Bahl of Austin; her son, Alvin (Diane) Hansen of Olive Branch, Miss.; six grandchildren: William (Dorothy) Bahl, Alvin (Theresa) Hansen, Jr., Melissa (Gregg) Cobb, Karen (Brad) Oldenburg, Dawn (John) Brueck and Eric (Desiree) Hansen; AND six great-grandchildren: Destiny Otto, Amanda Bahl, Chelsey Otto, Toni Bahl, Justin Cobb and Ryan Cobb.

Her parents; husband, Eric Hansen, on Nov. 11, 1986; one brother, Clarence Weber; and one sister, Irene Weber, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel, Austin,

with the Rev. Kent Otterman officiating. Interment will follow the service in Cedar City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., and for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Memorials are preferred to St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, Albert Lea Good Samaritan Center, or the American Cancer Society.