Esther Fritz

life story

Intelligent, curious, outspoken, creative, and artful. Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. Loved and missed by all who knew her.

Esther Irene Fritz (née Hoskins) passed away July 27, 2024 after having succumbed to the effects from dementia and Covid 19. She was preceded in death by her faithful and loving husband of seventy years, Lester Fritz; her parents; and all of her nine siblings.

She is survived by children Tom (Chelle); Carolyn; Jack (Lois); Jon (Mary); Jode (Beth); and Jeff (Shaina). She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Esther was born at home in Hillman, MN where she later met Lester at a family gathering. They married in 1943 in Phenix City, Alabama while visiting him before his departure for the Philippine Islands during WWII.

Away from her new husband, she also contributed to the war effort by working in a factory making shell casings.

After the war had ended, they were joyfully reunited and began their newly forming family life together in Long Lake, MN. After a few years, they returned to the Hillman area to begin dairy farming and raise their six children.

Esther was a hardworking, dedicated wife and mother who prioritized her family above all else. She provided a home filled with laughter, family togetherness, great cooking, interludes with country or classical music playing on her stereo, and the Minnesota Twins baseball on radio and tv.

Leaving the farm life behind, they built their new lake home on White Sand Lake in Baxter, MN where they opened their doors to their growing family and friends. For thirty-five years they offered up earthly paradise to all who came to visit. She had an innate artistic flair for creating a welcoming home with beautiful flower gardens and art.

She had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor to the very end. She was well-read, well informed, could converse on a wide range of topics, and would gladly share her views on the world with anyone who would listen.

Esther will be missed deeply by those who love her, as memories are all that are left to cherish.

Perhaps now she is content in her seeking of Pure Knowingness that casts aside desires for mere worldly knowledge.

Special thanks to the care team at Trinity Care Center in Farmington, MN for the extraordinary personal nursing care and kindness that was shown to Esther. We are deeply grateful.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity of your choice; or, give some flowers to yourself, just because. Mom did.

memorial service

Cremains committal for Lester and Esther

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery 15550 MN-115, Little Falls, MN 56345, USA

Cremains committal for both Lester and Esther will be for a private family gathering of short duration.

Please revisit this website for future guest posts. Thanks for sharing your personal memories and heartfelt condolences.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services