Esther Rhyner

Esther Rhyner, age 100, of Willmar, died Wednesday, December 17, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Esther Josephine Rhyner was born on November 30, 1914, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Edward and Mathilda (Olson) Thorpe. She grew up in Thief River Falls and at a young age moved to Wadena and then to Eagle Bend. Esther was baptized and confirmed at Eagle Valley Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend and graduated from Eagle Bend High School. On June 14, 1944, in Eagle Bend, Esther was united in marriage to Ernest F. Rhyner and they made their home in Willmar. Esther worked at Rice Memorial Hospital for over 29 years. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Esther enjoyed quilting, baking, gardening and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest in 1996; six brothers, Alfred, Noble, Henry, Elmer, Edwin and Reuben and three sisters, Clara, Mathilda and Nettie.

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