Spouse: Francis J Esser
Children: Jeff, James, Justin, Jacob, Jessica and Theresa
Married: Sept 25, 1976
Laura Esser (84978426)
Suggested edit: “The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother”. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
Laura M. Esser died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 1, 2001. She was 43 at the time. Although her life was short from our perspective, she has left a lasting legacy for those who knew her.
She was born on October 20, 1957 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was one of fourteen children born to Clem and Kathryn Foltz. She grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota near Callaway, MN. She was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church. Today in the church there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary donated by her siblings in her honor.
Laura’s mother Kathryn once commented, “Laura was the most spiritual of my children”. This was reflected in how Laura valued her Catholic faith. Her faith took center stage all of her life.
She graduated from high school in 1976. She was a good student and excelled academically. It was the hope of her parents that Laura would attend college. However, that did not happen. Instead, she married at the age of 18 to Fran Esser on September 25, 1976 at Assumption Catholic Church in Callaway, MN and then moved to Redfield, SD. Their first child (Jeffrey) was born the following year on October 28, 1977. Other children came along including James (1979), Justin (1980), Jacob (1983), Jessica (1985), and finally Theresa Kathryn (1988). Laura also experienced a miscarriage between the births of Jacob and Jessica.
Her move to South Dakota was difficult in some sense. Her family was back in Minnesota and she knew few people in the town of Redfield, SD. It was sometimes difficult to find a good job and to meet people. Laura worked various jobs including some difficult ones. She once commented about picking eggs while pregnant with her third son; not the ideal job, but necessary to support her family.
Eventually she would go on to become a bank teller at “Home Federal Savings Bank” in Redfield. A strong work ethic resulted in her becoming the bank manager., a position she held until the time of her death. The bank has since been bought out by “Great Western Bank”, but a small monument dedicated to Laura can still be seen there.
Laura loved her children and children in general. It was important that her children be raised in the Catholic faith and encouraged them in their spiritual growth. She often would show up for the class masses which were offered at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” to religious education students.
She loved to go for walks, especially with others and the beloved family pet, a mixed breed blue healer dog named Bowser. When at home, she normally walked the gravel road heading west and then she would turn around at the stop sign at the mile marker. However, when in town she often went walking in the city park. A person had to be quick though to keep up with her pace.
She also enjoyed quiet reflection time rocking in her favorite chair while having a cup of hot tea. She often did this silently or humming a favorite song.
Another special time of hers was gathering with her mom and sisters for a girl’s weekend away. These outings provided important family time for her and a chance to create new memories with her family.
Laura was financially conscious. She often clipped coupons and was all about getting items on sale. Her mom, Kathryn, always had a pile of coupons for her when she came for a visit to Minnesota. Being a savvy shopper, Laura was able to get some great deals. She was considerate enough to remember her children as she brought each one a little something when she went to Aberdeen on a major shopping excursion.
After her death, her care and concern for others was accentuated. It was learned that customers who tried to get loans to pay their utility bills were often denied and Laura would give them money from her own resources. These generous acts of compassion showed her genuine care for others and how she treated those in need.
Before she died, she spoke with many in her family including her parents, siblings, and children at college reaffirming her love for them. The day she died was a cold, wintry day. She was at home recovering from an operation, when unfortunately, a blood clot formed and broke loose traveling to her lung. Her sister-in-law, Mary, was present and administered CPR. Laura was then transported to the local hospital in Redfield where she passed away. Her funeral mass was offered on February 6, 2001 at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” with Fr. Roger Geditz presiding accompanied by many other priests from the Crookston Diocese.
Mary once commented that while she was performing CPR it appeared that Laura’s clothes became dazzling white, perhaps as a sign that she was preparing to enter heaven. Her son, Justin, had a dream of his mom shortly after she died. In the dream he walked down the steps to the kitchen where his mom stood with her back to him. He kept telling her she shouldn’t be there. She turned around, smiled and hugged him. As soon as she hugged him he immediately woke up feeling as though her arms were wrapped around him. It is our hope through these signs and wonders that Laura is safely in heaven with the Church Triumphant.
Many years have passed since her death, but Laura is never far from the thoughts and prayers of her children, family and friends. Especially important to mention are the other women who worked at “Home Federal” at the time of her death which included Laurie, Sandy and Dawn.
Laura was laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Redfield, SD, the town where she lived most of her life. A beautiful monument stands in tribute to her and the love she had for her family.
Although the suddenness of her death was difficult and the grieving process has taken many years, those of us who knew and loved her were gifted with the time we had with her. It is fitting then that there is a place in our hearts which will remain empty and unfilled until we are reunited with her in heaven for all eternity.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace”. (Wisdom 3: 1-3)
Contributor: Justin Esser (48006327) • [email protected]
Children: Jeff, James, Justin, Jacob, Jessica and Theresa
Married: Sept 25, 1976
Laura Esser (84978426)
Suggested edit: “The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother”. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
Laura M. Esser died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 1, 2001. She was 43 at the time. Although her life was short from our perspective, she has left a lasting legacy for those who knew her.
She was born on October 20, 1957 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was one of fourteen children born to Clem and Kathryn Foltz. She grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota near Callaway, MN. She was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church. Today in the church there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary donated by her siblings in her honor.
Laura’s mother Kathryn once commented, “Laura was the most spiritual of my children”. This was reflected in how Laura valued her Catholic faith. Her faith took center stage all of her life.
She graduated from high school in 1976. She was a good student and excelled academically. It was the hope of her parents that Laura would attend college. However, that did not happen. Instead, she married at the age of 18 to Fran Esser on September 25, 1976 at Assumption Catholic Church in Callaway, MN and then moved to Redfield, SD. Their first child (Jeffrey) was born the following year on October 28, 1977. Other children came along including James (1979), Justin (1980), Jacob (1983), Jessica (1985), and finally Theresa Kathryn (1988). Laura also experienced a miscarriage between the births of Jacob and Jessica.
Her move to South Dakota was difficult in some sense. Her family was back in Minnesota and she knew few people in the town of Redfield, SD. It was sometimes difficult to find a good job and to meet people. Laura worked various jobs including some difficult ones. She once commented about picking eggs while pregnant with her third son; not the ideal job, but necessary to support her family.
Eventually she would go on to become a bank teller at “Home Federal Savings Bank” in Redfield. A strong work ethic resulted in her becoming the bank manager., a position she held until the time of her death. The bank has since been bought out by “Great Western Bank”, but a small monument dedicated to Laura can still be seen there.
Laura loved her children and children in general. It was important that her children be raised in the Catholic faith and encouraged them in their spiritual growth. She often would show up for the class masses which were offered at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” to religious education students.
She loved to go for walks, especially with others and the beloved family pet, a mixed breed blue healer dog named Bowser. When at home, she normally walked the gravel road heading west and then she would turn around at the stop sign at the mile marker. However, when in town she often went walking in the city park. A person had to be quick though to keep up with her pace.
She also enjoyed quiet reflection time rocking in her favorite chair while having a cup of hot tea. She often did this silently or humming a favorite song.
Another special time of hers was gathering with her mom and sisters for a girl’s weekend away. These outings provided important family time for her and a chance to create new memories with her family.
Laura was financially conscious. She often clipped coupons and was all about getting items on sale. Her mom, Kathryn, always had a pile of coupons for her when she came for a visit to Minnesota. Being a savvy shopper, Laura was able to get some great deals. She was considerate enough to remember her children as she brought each one a little something when she went to Aberdeen on a major shopping excursion.
After her death, her care and concern for others was accentuated. It was learned that customers who tried to get loans to pay their utility bills were often denied and Laura would give them money from her own resources. These generous acts of compassion showed her genuine care for others and how she treated those in need.
Before she died, she spoke with many in her family including her parents, siblings, and children at college reaffirming her love for them. The day she died was a cold, wintry day. She was at home recovering from an operation, when unfortunately, a blood clot formed and broke loose traveling to her lung. Her sister-in-law, Mary, was present and administered CPR. Laura was then transported to the local hospital in Redfield where she passed away. Her funeral mass was offered on February 6, 2001 at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” with Fr. Roger Geditz presiding accompanied by many other priests from the Crookston Diocese.
Mary once commented that while she was performing CPR it appeared that Laura’s clothes became dazzling white, perhaps as a sign that she was preparing to enter heaven. Her son, Justin, had a dream of his mom shortly after she died. In the dream he walked down the steps to the kitchen where his mom stood with her back to him. He kept telling her she shouldn’t be there. She turned around, smiled and hugged him. As soon as she hugged him he immediately woke up feeling as though her arms were wrapped around him. It is our hope through these signs and wonders that Laura is safely in heaven with the Church Triumphant.
Many years have passed since her death, but Laura is never far from the thoughts and prayers of her children, family and friends. Especially important to mention are the other women who worked at “Home Federal” at the time of her death which included Laurie, Sandy and Dawn.
Laura was laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Redfield, SD, the town where she lived most of her life. A beautiful monument stands in tribute to her and the love she had for her family.
Although the suddenness of her death was difficult and the grieving process has taken many years, those of us who knew and loved her were gifted with the time we had with her. It is fitting then that there is a place in our hearts which will remain empty and unfilled until we are reunited with her in heaven for all eternity.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace”. (Wisdom 3: 1-3)
Contributor: Justin Esser (48006327) • [email protected]
Spouse: Francis J Esser
Children: Jeff, James, Justin, Jacob, Jessica and Theresa
Married: Sept 25, 1976
Laura Esser (84978426)
Suggested edit: “The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother”. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
Laura M. Esser died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 1, 2001. She was 43 at the time. Although her life was short from our perspective, she has left a lasting legacy for those who knew her.
She was born on October 20, 1957 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was one of fourteen children born to Clem and Kathryn Foltz. She grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota near Callaway, MN. She was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church. Today in the church there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary donated by her siblings in her honor.
Laura’s mother Kathryn once commented, “Laura was the most spiritual of my children”. This was reflected in how Laura valued her Catholic faith. Her faith took center stage all of her life.
She graduated from high school in 1976. She was a good student and excelled academically. It was the hope of her parents that Laura would attend college. However, that did not happen. Instead, she married at the age of 18 to Fran Esser on September 25, 1976 at Assumption Catholic Church in Callaway, MN and then moved to Redfield, SD. Their first child (Jeffrey) was born the following year on October 28, 1977. Other children came along including James (1979), Justin (1980), Jacob (1983), Jessica (1985), and finally Theresa Kathryn (1988). Laura also experienced a miscarriage between the births of Jacob and Jessica.
Her move to South Dakota was difficult in some sense. Her family was back in Minnesota and she knew few people in the town of Redfield, SD. It was sometimes difficult to find a good job and to meet people. Laura worked various jobs including some difficult ones. She once commented about picking eggs while pregnant with her third son; not the ideal job, but necessary to support her family.
Eventually she would go on to become a bank teller at “Home Federal Savings Bank” in Redfield. A strong work ethic resulted in her becoming the bank manager., a position she held until the time of her death. The bank has since been bought out by “Great Western Bank”, but a small monument dedicated to Laura can still be seen there.
Laura loved her children and children in general. It was important that her children be raised in the Catholic faith and encouraged them in their spiritual growth. She often would show up for the class masses which were offered at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” to religious education students.
She loved to go for walks, especially with others and the beloved family pet, a mixed breed blue healer dog named Bowser. When at home, she normally walked the gravel road heading west and then she would turn around at the stop sign at the mile marker. However, when in town she often went walking in the city park. A person had to be quick though to keep up with her pace.
She also enjoyed quiet reflection time rocking in her favorite chair while having a cup of hot tea. She often did this silently or humming a favorite song.
Another special time of hers was gathering with her mom and sisters for a girl’s weekend away. These outings provided important family time for her and a chance to create new memories with her family.
Laura was financially conscious. She often clipped coupons and was all about getting items on sale. Her mom, Kathryn, always had a pile of coupons for her when she came for a visit to Minnesota. Being a savvy shopper, Laura was able to get some great deals. She was considerate enough to remember her children as she brought each one a little something when she went to Aberdeen on a major shopping excursion.
After her death, her care and concern for others was accentuated. It was learned that customers who tried to get loans to pay their utility bills were often denied and Laura would give them money from her own resources. These generous acts of compassion showed her genuine care for others and how she treated those in need.
Before she died, she spoke with many in her family including her parents, siblings, and children at college reaffirming her love for them. The day she died was a cold, wintry day. She was at home recovering from an operation, when unfortunately, a blood clot formed and broke loose traveling to her lung. Her sister-in-law, Mary, was present and administered CPR. Laura was then transported to the local hospital in Redfield where she passed away. Her funeral mass was offered on February 6, 2001 at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” with Fr. Roger Geditz presiding accompanied by many other priests from the Crookston Diocese.
Mary once commented that while she was performing CPR it appeared that Laura’s clothes became dazzling white, perhaps as a sign that she was preparing to enter heaven. Her son, Justin, had a dream of his mom shortly after she died. In the dream he walked down the steps to the kitchen where his mom stood with her back to him. He kept telling her she shouldn’t be there. She turned around, smiled and hugged him. As soon as she hugged him he immediately woke up feeling as though her arms were wrapped around him. It is our hope through these signs and wonders that Laura is safely in heaven with the Church Triumphant.
Many years have passed since her death, but Laura is never far from the thoughts and prayers of her children, family and friends. Especially important to mention are the other women who worked at “Home Federal” at the time of her death which included Laurie, Sandy and Dawn.
Laura was laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Redfield, SD, the town where she lived most of her life. A beautiful monument stands in tribute to her and the love she had for her family.
Although the suddenness of her death was difficult and the grieving process has taken many years, those of us who knew and loved her were gifted with the time we had with her. It is fitting then that there is a place in our hearts which will remain empty and unfilled until we are reunited with her in heaven for all eternity.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace”. (Wisdom 3: 1-3)
Contributor: Justin Esser (48006327) • [email protected]
Children: Jeff, James, Justin, Jacob, Jessica and Theresa
Married: Sept 25, 1976
Laura Esser (84978426)
Suggested edit: “The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother”. (St. Therese of Lisieux)
Laura M. Esser died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 1, 2001. She was 43 at the time. Although her life was short from our perspective, she has left a lasting legacy for those who knew her.
She was born on October 20, 1957 in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was one of fourteen children born to Clem and Kathryn Foltz. She grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota near Callaway, MN. She was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church. Today in the church there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary donated by her siblings in her honor.
Laura’s mother Kathryn once commented, “Laura was the most spiritual of my children”. This was reflected in how Laura valued her Catholic faith. Her faith took center stage all of her life.
She graduated from high school in 1976. She was a good student and excelled academically. It was the hope of her parents that Laura would attend college. However, that did not happen. Instead, she married at the age of 18 to Fran Esser on September 25, 1976 at Assumption Catholic Church in Callaway, MN and then moved to Redfield, SD. Their first child (Jeffrey) was born the following year on October 28, 1977. Other children came along including James (1979), Justin (1980), Jacob (1983), Jessica (1985), and finally Theresa Kathryn (1988). Laura also experienced a miscarriage between the births of Jacob and Jessica.
Her move to South Dakota was difficult in some sense. Her family was back in Minnesota and she knew few people in the town of Redfield, SD. It was sometimes difficult to find a good job and to meet people. Laura worked various jobs including some difficult ones. She once commented about picking eggs while pregnant with her third son; not the ideal job, but necessary to support her family.
Eventually she would go on to become a bank teller at “Home Federal Savings Bank” in Redfield. A strong work ethic resulted in her becoming the bank manager., a position she held until the time of her death. The bank has since been bought out by “Great Western Bank”, but a small monument dedicated to Laura can still be seen there.
Laura loved her children and children in general. It was important that her children be raised in the Catholic faith and encouraged them in their spiritual growth. She often would show up for the class masses which were offered at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” to religious education students.
She loved to go for walks, especially with others and the beloved family pet, a mixed breed blue healer dog named Bowser. When at home, she normally walked the gravel road heading west and then she would turn around at the stop sign at the mile marker. However, when in town she often went walking in the city park. A person had to be quick though to keep up with her pace.
She also enjoyed quiet reflection time rocking in her favorite chair while having a cup of hot tea. She often did this silently or humming a favorite song.
Another special time of hers was gathering with her mom and sisters for a girl’s weekend away. These outings provided important family time for her and a chance to create new memories with her family.
Laura was financially conscious. She often clipped coupons and was all about getting items on sale. Her mom, Kathryn, always had a pile of coupons for her when she came for a visit to Minnesota. Being a savvy shopper, Laura was able to get some great deals. She was considerate enough to remember her children as she brought each one a little something when she went to Aberdeen on a major shopping excursion.
After her death, her care and concern for others was accentuated. It was learned that customers who tried to get loans to pay their utility bills were often denied and Laura would give them money from her own resources. These generous acts of compassion showed her genuine care for others and how she treated those in need.
Before she died, she spoke with many in her family including her parents, siblings, and children at college reaffirming her love for them. The day she died was a cold, wintry day. She was at home recovering from an operation, when unfortunately, a blood clot formed and broke loose traveling to her lung. Her sister-in-law, Mary, was present and administered CPR. Laura was then transported to the local hospital in Redfield where she passed away. Her funeral mass was offered on February 6, 2001 at “St. Bernard’s Catholic Church” with Fr. Roger Geditz presiding accompanied by many other priests from the Crookston Diocese.
Mary once commented that while she was performing CPR it appeared that Laura’s clothes became dazzling white, perhaps as a sign that she was preparing to enter heaven. Her son, Justin, had a dream of his mom shortly after she died. In the dream he walked down the steps to the kitchen where his mom stood with her back to him. He kept telling her she shouldn’t be there. She turned around, smiled and hugged him. As soon as she hugged him he immediately woke up feeling as though her arms were wrapped around him. It is our hope through these signs and wonders that Laura is safely in heaven with the Church Triumphant.
Many years have passed since her death, but Laura is never far from the thoughts and prayers of her children, family and friends. Especially important to mention are the other women who worked at “Home Federal” at the time of her death which included Laurie, Sandy and Dawn.
Laura was laid to rest in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Redfield, SD, the town where she lived most of her life. A beautiful monument stands in tribute to her and the love she had for her family.
Although the suddenness of her death was difficult and the grieving process has taken many years, those of us who knew and loved her were gifted with the time we had with her. It is fitting then that there is a place in our hearts which will remain empty and unfilled until we are reunited with her in heaven for all eternity.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace”. (Wisdom 3: 1-3)
Contributor: Justin Esser (48006327) • [email protected]
