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Submitted: 12/8/11 • Approved: 2/4/12 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R141166-G141165-S3
Emil 1914 - 2002
Esther 1922 - Feb 3, 2012
Married Feb 24, 1946
Children: Miriam, Myron & Leland
Esther Berneice Thormodsgaard was born August 31, 1922 near Alcester, South Dakota to Erik and Pernella (Knutson) Thormodsgaard. She died February 3, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 89 years, five months and two days. Esther was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church or rural Hudson, SD. She was raised and received her education in Lincoln County. Her mother passed away before Esther’s 12th birthday and she and her sister Alma took over the household duties. When her sister left home, Esther remained on the farm with her father and assumed responsibilities for the home. She was united in marriage to Emil Zweifel on February 24, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Following Emil’s discharge from the US Army after WWII, they moved to a farm east of Beresford. Esther was active in teaching Sunday school, supported many mission projects, was a member of the Moe Parish WELCA, served on the Moe Parish Park Board, and was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary as well as the Disabled American Veterans. She also served on the Alcester Volunteer Ambulance Team and did home nursing care in the Hawarden, Alcester and Beresford area. Esther worked hard all her life, but found time to enjoy reading, yard work, bird watching and gardening. She enjoyed making quilts for the missions and also gave many to friends and family. Entertaining friends was a special joy for her. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was important in her life. Her parents, husband, brother, sister and granddaughter preceded her in death. Among those who survive and gratefully shared her life is her daughter, Miriam (David) Mattson; two sons, Myron Zweifel and Leland (Stacie O’Keefe) Zweifel; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Laura) Mattson, Mark Mattson, Ruth (Jon) Wilkens, Stephen (Emily) Mattson, Seth Mattson, Sheila Zweifel (fiancé Neil Mattheisen), Karen Zweifel, Tracie Zweifel and Joe Zweifel ( Erica Peterson); five great-grandchildren, Isaac, Ruthie, Lillian and Hunter Mattson and Charlie Wilkens; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Contributed on 12/8/11 by revilo
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Record #: 141166