Funeral services for Esther Hoelscher, age 97, of Manchester, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20,

at 11 a.m. from West Freeborn Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dennis Frank will officiate. Burial will be at the West Freeborn Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the services at the Church. To sign the guest book go to: www.bayviewfuneral.com

Esther died on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004 at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Esther Hoelscher was born on Sept. 5, 1907 in Frost, the daughter of John and Carrie (Bristal) Hanson. She was baptized at Dell Lutheran Church. In 1919 she moved with her family from Dell

to Manchester. She was confirmed at West Freeborn Lutheran Church and attended District 18 and 136 grade schools. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1927. After high school, she went to normal teachers training in Wells and received her certificate to teach grade school. She then taught grade school for six years and after that held various jobs. On May 23, 1936, Esther was united in marriage to Harvey Hoelscher in Hartland. The couple farmed northwest of Albert Lea. During the years when her family was growing, she was a devoted mother and housewife. At that time she taught Sunday school at West Freeborn Lutheran Church and belonged to the Dorcas Missions Circle, Ladies Aid, and later was a member of the Alter Guild. After her family had grown, she worked at St. John’s Lutheran Home as a cook. She loved to garden and make quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Esther is survived by her son, Steve Hoelscher of Arden Hills, Minn.; grandson, David and wife Tracy Hoelscher and their family, Rachel and Rebekah, of San Diego, Calif.; grandson, Mark Hoelscher and wife Elaine Schmidt of

Milwaukee, Wis.; grandson, Matthew and wife Heather Hoelscher and their family, Shalin and Calen, of Albert Lea; sister, Emma Meyer of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Evelyn Whitcomb of Ellsworth, Wis.; and nieces and nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey; son, Franklin and wife Mary; one son in infancy; six sisters: Mathilda Bottelson Moen, Olga Hanson, Jane Johnson, May Myran, Augusta Myran, and Jurene in infancy;

and three brothers: Andrew, John and Stanley.