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Esther Vendsel • 1919 - 2007
 Esther
Vendsel Aug. 25, 1919 - Apr. 2, 2007
Esther Vendsel, 87, Minot, passed away peacefully on Monday,
April 2, 2007 at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Minot.
Esther was born on the Bryans Ranch northeast of Carpio to Fred
and Alice (Hansen) Bryans. She attended grade school in Callahan
Township, graduated from Minot High School in 1936 and continued
her education at Bemis Business College and Steinmetz School
of Applied Business.
On December 1, 1940, Esther married Raymond Vendsel of Lansford,
ND. With the advent of WW II, Ray was called to duty and served
overseas in Burma, India and China as a Captain in Merrill's
Marauders. While Ray was deployed, Esther gave birth to their
first child, Bryan.
In 1945, Ray returned from duty and he and Esther took over operation
of the Bryans Ranch. In 1947 they began their involvement in
the ND Democratic NPL and had their second child, Judith.
Over the years, Esther and Ray became more involved in North
Dakota politics. Their commitment garnered Ray an appointment
to the Interior Department under John F. Kennedy's administration.
Although Esther and Ray enjoyed their time in Washington, DC,
their commitment to North Dakota politics and their love of ranching
brought them back to the state.
Upon returning, Esther took a position with the ND Water Users.
While there, she was awarded Commodore to the ND Mythical Navy
by Governor Bill Guy.
In 1964, while working on their ranch, Ray suffered a debilitating
accident. Esther remained his constant caregiver until his death
in 1989.
Esther maintained an active roll in the ND Democratic Party for
many years after Ray's accident. She was a member of the ND Cowbells,
Daughters of the American Revolution, was State Secretary for
the Democratic Women, and President of the Grano Homemakers,
Zonta, and State Board of League of Women Voters.
Esther lived in her Minot home until the last few weeks of her
life.
She is survived by her daughter Judy Vendsel, Minot; son
Bryan (Mary) Vendsel, Fargo; Granddaughters Lisa Vendsel (Sebastian)
Haman, Minot; Laurie Linnertz, Minot; Grandsons Michael (Roxanne)
Vendsel, Minot; Jason (Kristin) Vendsel, Minot; Shawn Linnertz-Jordahl,
Minot; Great Grandsons Derek, Dustyn and Dayne Haman, Cole and
Lane Vendsel, Brady Johansen, Jacob Elllis and Great Granddaughter
Taylor Vendsel.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 5 from 11am-7pm at
Thompson Larson Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be Friday, April 6 at 2:00pm
at Vincent Methodist Church in Minot.
Officiants
Rev. Rick Fossum
Chaplain Don Andrews, Trinity Health, Minot
Music
Processional hymn
"I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry"
"Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton
"It Is Well With My Soul" by
Barb Bauer, Bonnie Stanley and Glenda Leavitt
"On Eagles Wings" by Barb Bauer
Recessional hymn "Amazing Grace"
Lou Whitmer, accompanist
Honorary Bearers
Esther's great-grandchildren
Derek Haman, Dustyn Haman, Dayne Haman, Cole Vendsel, Lane Vendsel,
Brady Johansen
Jacob Ellis, Taylor Vendsel
Active Bearers: Lisa Haman, Laurie Linnertz, Michael Vendsel,
Jason Vendsel,Shawn Linnertz-Jordahl
To sign the online guest register
for Esther
To
view the online guest register for Esther
To
view the outside of Esther's folder
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view the inside of Esther's folder
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