Esther Schultz

Esther Gladys Schultz was born on February 18, 1914 in Ortonville, Minnesota to John and Bertha (Hindenes) Nelson. The family moved to Cyrus, Minnesota when Esther was a young girl. She grew up on the farm there and attended country school. She was active in 4-H and graduated from high school at the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota. Esther's pig, ?Fireworks Bess,? was grand champion at the 1932 Minnesota State Fair. After high school Esther worked in Alexandria, where she met her future husband, Al Schultz. They were married on October 31, 1936 at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Cyrus, Minnesota. They lived in Alexandria, where Al had an orchestra. They also owned and operated the Blue Castle Cafe. Esther and Al lived in Minneapolis for several years during World War II. During this time they were blessed with a son, David. They returned to Alexandria in 1944 and welcomed a daughter, Kathleen, in 1946. Al owned a real estate and insurance business until his retirement in 1974. They enjoyed traveling in retirement and spent many winters with friends in Texas and Arizona. Very memorable for Esther was a trip to Norway in 1999 where she visited many relatives. Esther was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria for over 70 years. She was active in many church activities, and her faith was very important to her. She loved to bake and cook, had many friends, and loved to socialize. Family was very important to Esther, and she treasured the times she shared with loved ones. In her later years, she especially looked forward to visits from her great-grandchildren. Esther Schultz died on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Knute Nelson Nursing Home at the age of 100 years. She is survived by her son Dave (Fran) of Alexandria, grandson Marty (Heidi) of Alexandria and great grandchildren Niklas and Aili. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Al, daughter Kathleen, and brothers: Marvin, Irvin and Norris. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial at Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net