Esther Marie Lundgaard, 92, of Ellsworth, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the Atrium Post Acute Care, Ellsworth, WI.

Esther was born on January 9, 1924 in the town of Martell, the daughter of Fritz and Lillian (Gilbertson) Nelson. She married Melvin Lundgaard on February 19, 1945 St. Paul, MN.

Esther worked as a housekeeper at the Ellsworth Care Center for 24 years until her retirement.

In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, trips with the senior citizens of Ellsworth, playing the piano/organ for family and friends and she especially loved being with the “little” grandkids.

Esther was a long-time active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Beldenville.

She is survived by her four sons: Gary (Nancy), Galen (Laurie), Arlen (Barbara), and Leroy (Ella) Lundgaard. Eight Grandchildren: Robert (SueAnn) Lundgaard, Gina (Jeff) Girdeen, Missy (Brad) Gisselbeck, Jeffrey (Jodi) Lundgaard, Holly (Jared) Everson, Emily (Tony) Mischke, Cynthia (Nathan) Geske, and Christopher (Christina) Lundgaard.

19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

One brother and four sisters: Joyce Johnson, Lawrence (Darla) Nelson, Margaret (Tom) Driscol, Florence (Howard) Miller, and Grace Williams.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, great-granddaughter Olivia, and brother Howard.

Funeral services for Esther will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at Crossroad Community Church, Ellsworth, WI. Burial will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery (North), Beldenville, WI. Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Monday at the Hill Funeral Home, Ellsworth and for one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Tuesday.

Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ellsworth, WI is serving the family.