Esther Peterson passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Esther Marie Peterson was born on September 13, 1949, in Hallock, MN, to Raymond and Ann Peterson. She was named after her grandmothers, Esther Anderson and Marie Jacobson, which always had special meaning for Esther.  The fourth child of nine children, Esther was a wonderful part of a household filled with lots of love and laughter. She attended school in Lake Bronson, graduating with the class of 1967. She was so happy to be part of the Fab Five group of friends she had known since childhood.

Esther's biggest joy in life was her son, Jonathan Bradley, born in 1982. She was a wonderful and devoted mother with unconditional love for her son. Sadly, Jonathan passed away from cancer at the age of 22, leaving a huge hole in her heart.

Esther lived in Lake Bronson most of her life, except for a brief period in the Twin Cities and the last few years in Karlstad. She was confirmed and attended church at the Lake Bronson Covenant Church.  In the last few years, she became a faithful online attendee of St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City (her sister Donna's home church).

Esther's most recent employment was at Johnson Oil, Kittson County Enterprise, and the North Star News. Esther was a very artistic and creative person, putting her talents to use in many ways. Her paintings will always be treasured.

Esther had a very loving heart.  She valued family and holding onto history and traditions. She shared daily texts with her siblings, expressing every day that she was blessed to get God's wake up call.  She was grateful for each day. On July 24th, Esther was instead called to her eternal home. She passed away the evening of July 24, 2024, in Thief River Falls, at the age of 74. Esther blessed our lives in countless ways.  While her departure leaves a deep void for all who loved her, she now has the joyful celebration of being reunited with her son, Jonathan and many loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Esther, in God's loving arms.

Esther is survived by her siblings, Dwayne Peterson (Linda) of Newnan, GA, Sherryl Anderson (Garin Johnston) of Woodbury, MN, Donna Cantrell of Edmond, OK, David Peterson of Lake Bronson, MN; nieces and nephews, Mark Lancman (Kim), Christopher Peterson (Amy), Amy Peterson, Garrett Finley,  Katie Miller (Jason); great nieces and nephews, Jacob, Jaden and Jayme Lancman, and Gabriel, Kristie, Kenzie and Aydann Miller.

She is preceded in death by her son, Jonathan; sisters, Arlyne and Kristie; brothers, Brian and Daniel; her parents; and her grandparents.

A funeral service is planned for Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Austin Funeral Home, Hallock, MN. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Lake Bronson. Arrangements are being handled by Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock.