Esther Haagenson, 87, of rural Leeds, ND, died Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND.  Funeral services will be Monday, March 1, 2010, 11:00 AM at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Interment will be in the Leeds Cemetery later in the spring.  Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 7pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds and Monday at the church an hour before the service. Casket bearers will be:  Jason Haagenson,  Eric Haagenson,  Reed Haagenson,  Jamie Haagenson,  Leigh Haagenson,  Josh Haagenson,  Noah Haagenson and Christopher Kranig.  The Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds is in charge of the arrangements.

Esther Haagenson was born May 2, 1922 near Tunbridge, ND, the daughter of Fred and Inga (Braaten) Hjelle.  Esther attended school in Rugby, graduating from high school in 1940.  She worked for a time in Rugby at the Citizens Bank in Rugby and also at the ASCS office.  Esther married Fergus Lyle Haagenson on December 2, 1945.  She continued working while Lyle served in the US Army.  Upon Lyle's return home, they purchased a farm near Rolette.  In 1960, they purchased their present day farm south of Leeds.  Lyle was injured in a motorcycle accident in 1966 and spent the rest of his life in nursing homes until his death on December 10th, 1995.  Esther remained on the family farm and raised their six sons.  Through the years she watched her sons marry and enjoyed the pleasures of having grandchildren.  Esther entered the Haaland Home at Rugby in May of 2000.  She suffered a stroke in 2004 and then became a resident of the Heart of America Medical Center Long Term Care.

Esther's life revolved around her family of six boys and each of their families.  She enjoyed the ball games of her grandchildren and crocheted afghans for each member of her family.   She enjoyed keeping company with her four sisters and traveled with each of them.  Esther was a member of Leeds Lutheran Church, its WELCA and enjoyed the many hours at the weekly mission quilting bees.  Esther was a friend to many and always enjoyed their company over a cup of coffee and a sweet treat.  She was well known for her homemade buns and delicious baked goods.

Surviving are her sons:  Leslie (Paula) Haagenson,  Lowell (Theresa) Haagenson,  Lorin (Patty) Haagenson and Lynn (Renee) Haagenson all of Leeds;  Lester Haagenson of Jamestown,  Lloyd (Jill) Haagenson of Williston and a daughter-in-law:  Candace Haagenson of Jamestown;  13 grandchildren;  13 great-grandchildren;  sisters:  Florence Crawford and Verna Heizelmen both of Velva, ND;  brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Raymond Hanson in California,  Elmer Heizelmen of Velva, ND,  Milton & Lois Haagenson of Rolette,   Neil Wenberg in Pennsylvania,  Delvin & Judy Van Beek of Linton, ND and Steve & Marilyn Christianson of Rugby;  a number of nieces and nephews.  Esther was preceded in death by her parents;  husband: Lyle;   a sister:  Marion Hanson;  a brother-in-law:  Charlie Crawford and a nephew:  Mark Haagenson.



Condolences:

Although we have never met, I am deeply saddened by your loss.  We all are touched by the loss of a loved one.   Please know that God will be with you to comfort and soothe your heart.  Psalms 34:18 says that He is near to those broken at heart and saves those crushed in spirit.  Always remember the promises found in His Holy Word.  Please accept my sincere condolences.     S.Ford