Esther Bratlien

Esther Gladys Bratlien, 97, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls surrounded by her entire family. She was a current resident of the Pioneer Retirement Community. Esther was born November 18, 1912, at home in Oscar Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of Fred and Bertha (Grunewald) Zimmerman. Esther was the 10th child out of a family of 17 children. She was baptized on August 12, 1913. She grew up on the Zimmerman family farm and attended school at District 61. On January 31, 1932, she married James Manton Bratlien of Rothsay. She and Jimmy made their home on the Zimmerman family farm until moving to Fergus Falls in 1961. Jimmy passed away March 23, 1964. Early in Esther’s life she worked on the family farm and at the Rothsay Café. After moving to Fergus Falls she was employed by the Broen Home and The Viking Café. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who gave her love unconditionally, and will forever be in our memories. Family was always first with Esther. All of her grandchildren cherish their crochet afghans stitched with love by Grandma Esther’s talented hands. Esther is remembered for her kind heart and thoughtfulness. Esther had a very green thumb as she tended to her beautiful and plentiful flower and vegetable gardens. She had a passion for keeping her lawn pristine. She enjoyed baking, as her cookie jar was always full, waiting for family and friends to visit. No one left her home without a “care package” of goodies. Survivors include her son, Roger Bratlien and his wife, Lois; three grandchildren: Kevin Bratlien and his wife, Dawn, and son James; Kathy Hermes and children, Klara and Jack; and Karla and her husband, Doug Green, and children, Wesley, Jared, and Desta (Ben) Sillerud; three great-great-grandchildren:  Andrew, Ethan, and Addison Sillerud; three sisters: Luella “Sissy” Theodorson, Annette “Nettie” Weiss, and Evelyn “Billy” Heggen; and a sister-in-law, Avis Zimmerman. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, sisters:  Alice Ronningen, Mildred Gilstad, Irene Anderson, Edna Bjorgen, Lydia Hovland, Emelia Hovland, Inez Hovland, and Betty Ardis Zimmerman, and brothers:  Wilfred, Lloyd, Herbert, Ernest, and Charles Zimmerman. Esther’s family is grateful for the time they spent with her, the laughter they shared, and the wonderful memories they have. Blessed be the memory of Esther Bratlien. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 6:45 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010, at First United Church of Christ in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Tom Gard Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home:  Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com