Esther I. Irwin • 1910 - 2009

Esther I. Irwin, 98, Minot, died Monday, April 20, 2009 in a Minot nursing home.

Esther Johnson was born on December 22, 1910, a daughter of Ross and Lena (Nesland) Johnson in Hilton Township, Ward County, ND. When she was four years old, she moved to McIntosh, MN and lived with her aunt and grandmother. She attended School in Lester Township, east of Grand Forks. Returning to North Dakota in the 1920's,

On August 31, 1932, Esther was united in marriage to Alvin M. Irwin in Minot, ND. While Alvin was serving in World War II, she lived in Tacoma, WA for one year. Following his discharge, they returned to Minot, where she worked for various businesses.

Esther enjoyed working as a horse trainer and breeder, specializing in Arabian horses, she also had other types including Appaloosa, quarter horses and paint horses. She was also an avid collector of Antiques and personal gifts.

She was a lifetime member of the Minot Trail Riders Association, a lifetime member of the Ward County Historical Society, a local supporter of Make-a-wish foundation, a contributor to the ND Humane Society and a charter member of the ND Arabian Horse Association.

Those who shared in her life:

Son Robert (Donna) Irwin, Minot; three grandchildren Arnie "Poncho" (Patti) Irwin, Buffalo, WY, Wanda (Rory) Brown, Edgemont, SD, Robert John (Susie) Irwin, Alexander, ND; six great-grandchildren: Myre Jean Irwin, Sam Irwin, Marni Irwin, Rory Irwin, all of Alexander, ND and Hali Irwin, Cameron Irwin, both of Buffalo, WY.
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alvin, three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation: Thursday, April 23, 2009 from noon until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home

Funeral Service: Friday, April 24, 2009 at 11 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Officiant: Rev. Janet Hernes-Mathistad

Music
Congregational hymns:
"Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling"
"On Eagles Wings"
Marie Hagen-Bourquin, vocalist to offer:
"Precious Lord, Take My hand"
Kari Files, organist

Honorary Bearers: Minot Trail Riders and other area horse enthusiasts

Active Bearers: Arnie "Poncho" Irwin, John Irwin, Leo Bruins, Bernie Irwin, Clarence Tryhus, Russ Dressler

Immediately following the graveside service there will be lunch and fellowship in the lower level of the church.

The Irwin family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Esther.

To sign the online guest register for Esther
To view the online guest register for Esther

To view the inside of Esther's folder
To view the outside of Esther's folder

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