Esther M. Gerig, 75, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, November 22, 2010, at Bethany Retirement Living, in Fargo, under the care of their incredible staff and Hospice of the Red River Valley. She will be dearly missed by family and friends who loved her very much.
Esther Marie Shambach was born February 27, 1935, at Brinsmade, ND, daughter of Shiloh and Mary (Herman) Shambach. She was raised and educated in rural Brinsmade and Leeds, ND.
Esther married Vernon R. Gerig Jr. in Leeds, ND, on February 5, 1953, and they made their home on a farm near Brinsmade. They also lived in Mayville, Leeds, Bottineau, Fargo, Dilworth, MN, Billings, MT, and returned again to Brinsmade during their retirement years. Esther returned to Fargo to be closer to family for the last four years of her life.
Esther worked as a seamstress out of her home for many years in addition to teaching sewing classes through Adult Education. She had a common sense approach and techniques to help even the novice master and thoroughly enjoy the art of sewing. She was a skilled seamstress able to sew bridal dresses, band uniforms, garments, and furniture upholstery. She received great joy sewing for her children and grandchildren, making sure she made pajama pants for all every Christmas. Esther was also employed at Red Owl, Fargo, Dakota Aero Tech at Hector International Airport, Fargo, and Express Press, Fargo, doing office work.
She loved traveling, and for her, life was an adventure. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and loved time spent with her family. Her good nature and quick laughter were contagious. She was quick to encourage those around her. If someone needed prayer, Esther was called and could be counted on for such support. Esther always welcomed relatives and friends to her home.
Esther is survived by one son, Ron (Laurie) Gerig, Phoenix, AZ; three daughters, Ginger (John) Kallander, Moorhead, MN, Lorrie (Joel) Hylden, Park River, ND, and Julie Tollefson, Fargo; one sister, Mary Alice (Bob) Dryden, San Diego, CA; a brother-in-law, David (Diana) Gerig, Napa Valley, CA; sister-in-law, Leila Johnson, Naperville, IL; a son-in-law, Curt Tollefson, Fargo; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Esther was greeted in Heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; her husband; two children, Royce and Carol; her parents; brothers, Floyd and Gordy Shambach; and sisters, Lorraine Shambach, Bernice Lavik, Norma Rose, and Grace Lilke.
Memorial Service: 2:00 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011, at Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Inurnment: Brinsmade Lutheran Cemetery, Brinsmade.