Esther Dahlager

Esther Ovidia Dahlager, 96, a resident of Fergus Falls and formerly of the Dalton community, died Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born April 1, 1915, in rural Dalton, the daughter of John O. and Elsie (Gjerde) Dahlager. She was baptized on May 23, 1915, and confirmed on October 16, 1927 at Sarpsborg Lutheran Church. Esther attended school at District #7 in rural Dalton. She was employed as a housekeeper in Fergus Falls until about 1960. She then was employed by James Binger in Minneapolis until her retirement. After her retirement, she returned to Dalton, and later moved to the Northwest Manor in Fergus Falls. When her health began failing, she moved to the Broen Memorial Home. Esther was a member of Zion-Sarpsborg Free Lutheran Church in Dalton. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, and was also involved in the Ladies Aid and Bible Studies. She was the organist at Sarpsborg Church for a time. Esther always cherished the memories of her trip to Norway, where she visited relatives and the places where her parents’ families lived. Preceding her in death besides her parents were four sisters: Palma Synstelien, Selma Christopherson, Alice Torgerson, and Mabel Melby, and her brothers Orion and Christopher Dahlager. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Ruth Dahlager of Fergus Falls, and her nieces and nephews: Dorothy Kaasa, Eunice (Jerry) Hanson, Dennis Synstelien, John Dahlager, Mary (Glen) Heitzman, Jewel Kastelle, Janet (Vic) Petterson, Evelyn Renstrom, Ernest (Mary Jane) Melby, Kathleen Rorvig, Margaret (Allen) Hanson, Luther (Deloris) Melby, Iolene (John) Halvorson, David (Patty) Melby, Laurel Jensen, and James (Rhonda) Melby. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the Broen Home Service: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the Light and Life Auditorium of the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverends Mark Johnson and Brett Boe Interment: Sarpsborg Cemetery, rural Dalton Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls