Esther Vivian Brandvold, 85, formerly of Minot and Ryder passed away on October 8, 2009 at Trinity Care Center in Farmington, MN.

Esther was born November 2, 1923 on the family homestead near Sawyer, N.D. She was one of nine children born to Reverend Andrew and Hazel (Johnson) Knapstad. In 1929 the family moved to Minot, where Esther attended Washington Elementary, Old Central, and Minot High schools, graduating in 1942. She was the recipient of a scholarship to study nursing in Canton, OH but was unable to attend due to the cost. Instead she went to Spokane, WA to work in the civil defense plant but became ill and had to return to Minot. Later she worked at Sears in Minot, where she met her future husband, Peter. They married April 23, 1944 in Minot. They farmed near Ryder until 1959 and then moved to Minot. Peter died in 1992.

Esther loved caring for her family, reading her bible, studying scripture, playing her piano, feeding the birds and working with various missions. For many years she was active in the Minot High School Class of 1942 reunion committee. She was an early member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church of Minot where she was quite active in practicing her Christian faith. In 1968 Esther and Pete realized a lifelong dream of visiting Norway where they were able to meet relatives of their parents, as well as see where Pete's parents were raised.

Esther is survived by her four children, daughter - Gloria Eisenberg (Steve), Eagan, MN; sons - Gordon (Denise), Devils Lake, ND; Robert, Colorado Springs, CO; Rodney, Minot, ND; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister - Josie Luchsinger, Helena, MT; aunt - Marcella M. Johnson, Minot, ND; brother-in-law - Archie Kouba, Watford City, ND; and sisters-in-law - Evelyn Brandvold and Joyce Knapstad, both of Great Falls, MT.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and seven brothers and sisters.

Funeral Service: Friday, October 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Our Redeemers Lutheran Brethren Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.