Esther Nerland

ROSLYN- Esther Olena Nerland, 83 of Roslyn passed peacefully on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at Bethesda Home in Webster. Her funeral will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 11, 2006 at Roslyn Lutheran Church in Roslyn, Janet Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the Roslyn Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster on Friday 4-8 P.M. and prior to services on Saturday at the church. Esther was born to Einar and Olina Bakke on her family farm west of Sisseton on November 8, 1922. She was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church. She attended Long Hollow country school and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1941. After graduation, Esther moved to Los Angeles, CA, where she worked in a supervisory position for the telephone operators of the Bell Telephone Company. Returning to Sisseton in 1946, she continued her career with Bell Telephone. Esther’s warm hospitality and the inviting smell of baking bread led to meeting the nephew of a local milk man, who was picking up cream. She and Burdette were married on March 26, 1950 at Hope Lutheran Church in rural Sisseton, and shared their friendship, love and laughter for 55 years. They made their home on the Nerland family homestead in Nutley Township. In August of 1957, they welcomed their daughter, Kathy, into the world. Lynn, their son, came along in March of 1962. From 1978 until her retirement in 1989, Esther worked at Dakotah, Inc. in Webster. Esther maintained a very positive attitude throughout her life and her gentle spirit drew others to her. She always had a kind word for everyone. Esther had a strong faith and frequently spoke soothing words of encouragement to family and friends. She was a long-time member of the Sons of Norway and her deep interest in family history led her to Norway in 1980. Esther’s family was what she treasured most. Family gatherings and activities where she and Burdette could spend time visiting were most enjoyable to her. Her hobbies and interests included gardening, cooking, entertaining, watching wildlife, and walking the grounds of their farm. She was actively involved in her church, Music Mothers, the Nutley Neighbors, and regularly attended her children and grandchildren’s sporting and music events. Burdette and Esther enjoyed going to any music-related activities. Esther entered the Bethesda Home in November 2005, where she remained until her passing. Esther was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Survivors include her husband, Burdette of Roslyn; one son, Lynn (Tina) Nerland of Springfield, IL; one daughter, Kathy (Michael) Mertz of Aberdeen, SD; two brothers, George (Shirley) Bakke of Aberdeen, SD and Lloyd (Janet) Bakke of Sisseton, SD; two granddaughters, Nicole (Joe) Smith & Aubree Nerland; four grandsons, Nathan & Matthew Mertz, Reece & Preston Nerland; and three step grandchildren, Logan, Chase and Hayden Pierson. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and four sisters.