Esther Lorraine Edna (née Schultz) Stevenson

DOB: 21 April 1935 - DOD: 19 June 2026

Esther was born on Easter Sunday at the family home where her parents farmed near Stirum, ND. Esther was the second of four children born to Edward Schultz and Clara Beccue. She was baptized on May 5, 1935 and confirmed in her baptismal faith on June 13, 1948. Her father, Edward, passed away when she was nine and they lost the farm, she would say that it was the kindness of her relatives that helped the family (mother and four children) survive.

Esther attended a one-room schoolhouse near the farm. After graduating from Stirum High School in 1952 a year early, she moved to Fargo to attend Interstate Business College. During this time, she worked as a babysitter and did house cleaning chores to cover her room and board arrangements with a family that lived just a block away from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fargo. She remained a member of Immanuel for the rest of her life.

Esther’s first job after completion of her studies was at Griggs, Cooper & Company which took over the Fargo Mercantile company in the early 50’s. She then took a job with the Fire Underwriters Inspection Bureau in Fargo. Esther eventually was employed by the Fargo Public Schools (1967-1990) and served first as a secretary in the English department and then as the registrar and secretary for the Assistant Principal. After leaving the Fargo Public Schools Esther served part-time as a secretary at Immanuel.

Esther married Ken Stevenson of whom she said, “He was the right guy!” Ken passed away in 2021 and not long after, Esther moved to Serenity Senior Living in Dilworth, MN.

Esther was known to the family as being artistic, very smart and having a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. She was a joy to visit with as it always would bring a smile to your face. She indeed was truly a blessing to many.

Esther was preceded in death by Edward Schultz (father), Ernest Bandelow (Step-father), Clara Schultz (mother), Ronald Register (son), James Schultz (brother), and Ruth Zimmerman (sister).

Esther is survived by her brother, Leland Schultz and her son, James Register. 

Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran School in Fargo.