Esther A. Ziemer passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025 at United Hospital District – Blue Earth. A visitation will be held Friday June 6, 2025 from 4-7pm at Nasinec Funeral Home and will resume at the church one hour prior to the service (9:30-10:30am). Funeral Service will be held at Bricelyn Lutheran Church Saturday June 7, 2025 at 10:30am which will be officiated by Pastor Peg Marose. There will be a luncheon at the church to follow the service and interment will be at North Blue Earth Cemetery.

Esther prepared her own obituary as follows:

I was born June 23, 1934 at 6:45 pm on a farm in rural Brush Creek Township. Parents were Emil & Alma (Iverson) Erickson. Aunt Dorothy Iverson Wangen assisted. It was a joyous occasion as the parents had been waiting for 7 years for this blessed event. Baptism occurred at North Blue Earth Church with sponsors Ole & Ida Erickson. They did a great job of nurturing my Christian faith. Life on the farm was wonderful. Brother David was born six years later. We were faithful in going to church and its activities. There I met my lifelong friends Ramona Hovland and Lester Anderson. Confirmation in 1949 was very important to me.

Most of my elementary education was at District #89. In 7th grade I switched from country school to town school. After graduating high school, I went to Waldorf College for teaching and made friendships there that lasted my entire life. I spent nearly 50 years in the classroom, 36 under contract and the rest subbing. I married Wayne Sahr on December 18, 1954. We had 4 children – Jeffrey, Julie, Richard, and Janna.

I learned at an early age to deal with the sorrow of losing loved ones. During World War II, 6 uncles served their country, where 2 were killed. My beloved Dad died suddenly in 1967 and then that same year my beloved daughter died in a car accident. Wayne and I were happily married and celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary when shortly after he died unexpectedly. I met Jim Ziemer, also a widower, and we were married in 1984. He had many health problems and passed away in 2010. With the assurance of life after death, the support of family and friends and my teaching, I was able to carry on. In 2012 I met Louie Heitzeg. We have formed a special relationship and enjoy each other’s company as we journey through the phase in our lives. My love of travel started at an early age. I have had the privilege of visiting all 50 states and many countries with family and friends. My Philosophy for Life: Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Esther is survived by her children: Jeff (Patti) Sahr, Rick (Stephanie) Sahr, Janna (Mark) Grinde, and Ross (Lois) Ziemer; grandchildren: Heather (Mark) Foster, Michelle Sahr, Steven (Savannah) Sahr, Michaela Sahr, Cory Sahr, Alyssa Grinde, Erin Grinde, and Emalyn Sahr; great grandchildren: Annie Foster, Gus Foster and Weston Sahr. Good friend Louie Heitzeg and many other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Wayne & Jim, daughter Julie, and other friends and relatives.

People were her medicine. Esther’s family would like to acknowledge the staff and residents at The Shepherd’s Inn in Wells. She loved her family there.