Esther Minnie Nelson

Esther M. Nelson 93, Brainerd, MN and formerly of Detroit Lakes, MN died Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society, Brainerd, MN.   Esther Minnie (Hammer) Nelson was born on May 20, 1922 in Smiley Township near Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Bertil B and Emma (Bredeson) Hammer. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, attended the one room Hummer School in Smiley Township and later graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls.Esther married Adrian B. Nelson on July 20, 1947 at Bethany Lutheran Church. The young family lived in California, Veseleyville, ND and Thief River Falls until 1960 when they relocated to Detroit Lakes where they continued to raise their family and retire. In 2003 Esther relocated to Brainerd as a resident of the Good Samaritan Society assisted living community.Esther was always incredibly caring and loving and did not find fault with anyone, ever. She was always looking to the positive while offering a supportive and sympathetic shoulder. Esther’s faith was unquestioned, simple and strong.  She is preceded in death by her husband Adrian and all of her siblings and spouses; Alger and Ann Nyhus, Ben and Cora Hammer, Arnold and Grace Hammer, Martha and Woodrow Craik, Marvin Hammer; parents Bertil and Emma Hammer; sisters and brothers–in-law; Alton Nelson, Audrey and Donald Erickson, Eugene (Pal) and Karen Nelson, Harold Coffman, Shirley and Thorman Dahl, Louis Miksatko, James Matson, Marilyn Kuzel, Gaylene Race.     Survivors include sons, Peter (Bonnie Leitheiser) Nelson of Brainerd MN and Douglas Nelson of Oakdale, MN. Grandchildren Bryon (Tara Coffman) Nelson of Brainerd, Drew Nelson of Minneapolis; Justin (Kristi Willet) Nelson of White Bear Lake; Angela (Curtis) Nosal of Lincoln Nebraska; 9 great grandchildren Stephen, Kate, Paige, Nathan, Jace, Devon, Kylie, Marek and Esther. Survivors also include sisters/brothers-in-law Margaret Nelson, Marrie Coffman, Russell Jasperson, Janice Matson, Duane & Marlene Kuzel, Diane Matson, and many nieces and nephews.