Esther Groeneweg Morrison, 80, of rural Owatonna, died peacefully Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Homestead Hospice House following a stroke. She had her family and clergy at her side.
She was born Nov. 5, 1929, in Bath Township, Freeborn County, the fourth child of Arie and Pietje (DenArend) Groeneweg. When she was 1 year old, the family returned to Europe due to the Great Depression. When Esther was 7 years old, they moved from their native Netherlands to southwest France. After World War II, the family returned to the United States, living in the Hollandale area.
Esther married Warren S. Morrison on March 3, 1953, in Hayward. Following her husband’s discharge from the Army in 1955, the couple moved to Ellington Township in Dodge County to farm together. Esther thoroughly enjoyed working as a home health aide for several agencies throughout southeastern Minnesota. In 2007, Esther moved to her “dream house” in Havana Township where she enjoyed watching the birds, wildlife and passing vehicles. She especially enjoyed talking to friends and family on the telephone and tending to her woodstove during colder months.
Esther is survived by sons: David Morrison of rural West Concord and Sidney Morrison of rural Owatonna; daughter, Candy (and Rick) Singbusch of Rochester; twin granddaughters: Kaylee Morrison and Kristina Morrison of rural Owatonna; brother, Joe (and Dorothy) Groeneweg of Clarks Grove; sisters: Lena (and Art) Goemaat of DeMotte, Ind., and Nellie Wynia of Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, an infant sister and one brother.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Havana Township on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Keith Meyer officiating. Interment will be in the Havana Cemetery in Havana Township.