Esther Hazel Wilson

In the early 1920’s, the last American troops were returning home from Europe following the end of World War I. Women had just been given the right to vote, with the passing of the 19th Amendment. The average life span was 54 years. Esther was the daughter of Alvin and Laura (Dahme) Angerhofer. Esther was raised on a farm southwest of Aberdeen in Brown County. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Aberdeen. After attending grade school in Highland Township, she graduated from Warner High School and attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen. Esther married Daryl Wilson, her high school boyfriend, from which union three children were born. They made their home on a farm in rural Mansfield. In 1967, they moved to Aberdeen. She worked at AAA summers during her Junior and Senior years of high school; then again later, after her children were in school, for ASCS (now Farm Service Agency) until she retired in 1985. After retiring, Esther and Daryl spent time at, and later moved to, Mina Lake. When Daryl’s health failed, they spent seven years in Minnesota to be near their daughter, Jodi. They spent some time in Florida where, in 2005, and after 61 years of marriage, Daryl passed away. In 2007, Esther moved back to Aberdeen and spent 16 years living at Parkside Retirement Community. Church was an important part of Esther’s life. Affiliations during her lifetime included these Lutheran Churches: St. John’s of Rural Aberdeen, St. Paul’s of Aberdeen, St. Stephen’s of Braham, Minnesota, St. John of Palatka, Florida, and Hope of Bonita Springs, Florida. The Lord blessed Esther with good health and spirits her entire life. She was a church organist for many years. She began playing the pump organ at age 13 under the direction of her minister’s wife, Mrs. August Meitler. She spent many hours fishing and doing volunteer work in Aberdeen, Minnesota and Florida. Most memorable was making Pheasant Sandwiches for soldiers passing through the Milwaukee Depot during WWII. She loved her family as well as her extended family at Parkside. Sally Kushman and family played a special role to add enjoyment to Esther’s life. Esther is survived by her children Darlys Pexa of Laramie, WY and Jodi Wilson of Grasston, MN; grandchildren Terri Powers of Fredericksburg, VA, and Brad Wilson of Orlando, FL; two great grandchildren, Daniel (Angel) Powers and Elaine Powers. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son and daughter-in-law, Richard and DeRae Wilson, sister, Verna (Bill) Krause and brother, Reuben Angerhofer. Services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, Bonita Springs, Florida on September 5th at 10 am EST with Pastor Richard Browning officiating. The service will be livestreamed at Hope Lutheran Church Live Stream . You can also find the service on the church’s website (hlcbonita.org) under the explore tab and the Memorials link. Interment will be at Rice Lake Cemetery, Braham, Minnesota, at a later date. A lot happens in 100 years. In her lifetime, Esther can mark World War I and World War II, the completion of Mount Rushmore and almost the entire history of the automobile. Much has changed, but Esther’s dedication to her church-and her Lord Jesus Christ-never has.

Esther Hazel Wilson

April 6, 1924 - August 30, 2023