Esther Hauswedell

Esther Hannah Hauswedell was born to Robert and Elsie (Meyer) Mehling on June 27, 1913 at Lyons, Nebraska. She was baptized in the Lutheran church and attended country school. In 1927 her family moved to Arco, Minnesota where she was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and attended and graduated from Arco High School. On October 14, 1933, she married Paul Hauswedell in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Their union was blessed with three children and 63 years of life together. The couple farmed in Lake Stay Township near Arco. When Paul entered Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler in 1995, Esther stayed on the farm for a year before moving to Morningside Apartments in Tyler. Following Paul’s death in 1997, she continued to live in her Tyler apartment until the age of 101 when she moved to Sunrise Manor Nursing Home. There, on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Esther died at the age of 104.

Esther was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arco until the church closed, and then joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tyler. She was active in Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School. She was a 4-H leader for ten years, was active in politics, and did volunteer work. She received an award for managing the Lincoln County March of Dimes Campaign, and was presented the Rural Community Leadership Award by Governor Rudy Perpich and the State of Minnesota. She also organized census taking for Lincoln County. Esther’s hobbies included politics, gardening, card playing, sewing, and bowling.

Esther is lovingly remembered by nine grandchildren: Michael (Lynette) Hauswedell, Steve (Lisa) Hauswedell, John (Vicky) Hauswedell, Brooks Bennett (Carlene Taylor), Brad Bennett, Brett (Donita) Bennett, Jay (Jaylyn) Miller, Miles (Rachel) Miller, and Marty (Tara) Miller; daughter-in-law Delores Hauswedell and son-in-law Bob Miller; 17 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren and 9 step-great-great-grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and children Curtis Hauswedell, Melva Bennett, and Connie Miller; son-in-law Rodney Bennett; her parents, Robert and Elsie Mehling; sister Laura Halling; and brother Richard Mehling.

Blessed and eternal be her memory.