The funeral for Esther Lindgren, Kulm, ND will be held Monday, December 12, 2016 at Kulm Baptist Church, Kulm, ND at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Kulm, North Dakota. Burial will be at Swede Township Cemetery, Kulm, ND.
Esther Deloris (Lundgren) Lindgren, daughter of Jennie and Signar Lundgren, was born April 10, 1926. She and Vernon Lindgren married on June 23, 1950. They resided on the family farm until Vernon's death in 1982, when Esther built and moved into her home in Kulm. In 2013 she moved to the Manor St. Joseph in Edgeley, ND.
After graduating from Kulm Public School in 1944, Esther was determined to continue her education. She attended one year at Bethel College, then began teaching in Kulm at a country school, while earning her teaching certificate at Ellendale Normal School. Through night school and distance education, she was later awarded her full bachelor's degree in education.
Esther taught at Kulm Public School after the country school closed, for over forty years; in some families, she taught three generations of students. The first and third grade classrooms are named in memory of her and in thanks for the impact she had on so many children. She greatly enjoyed sharing her home with family and friends; hosting Swedish travelers on their extended stays was a special delight. Esther was an active, lifelong member of the Kulm Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher, in music and women's ministry.
Esther's generous spirit led to major improvements for the Kulm community. She gave a substantial amount toward the elevator in the Kulm Baptist Church, completely reconstructed the storefront "Esther's Plaza" on Kulm's main street, and gave generously towards Kulm Public School 2016 building project.
Esther died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Manor St. Joseph, Edgeley, ND. She was 90 years old. Burial will be at Swede Township Cemetery, Kulm, ND.
Esther is survived by her son, Mark (Carolyn), Eugene, Oregon, one sister, Rose Lindgren, Kulm, ND, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and a few great-great-great nieces and nephews who all lovingly referred to her as "Aunt Esther." She was preceded in death by her mother, father, four sisters, three brothers, and her husband, Vernon.