Esther Sylvia Heller

Esther Sylvia Heller, 101, Fargo, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2019, in Rosewood on Broadway. Esther was born September 16, 1918, to Helmer and Sophia (Hagen) Johnsrud in a log home on the family farm near Keene, ND. She attended the Dodge school in McKenzie County, ND. In her teen years, she came to the Red River Valley to visit her sisters that came earlier to find work. One sister, Margaret, had previously met and married Conrad, Elmer’s brother. She started working for Elmer’s parents as a hired housekeeper and it was there that she met Elmer Woitzel.

Esther married Elmer Woitzel on December 20, 1939 in Fargo. They farmed in the Gardner, ND area. After Elmer’s death, Esther married August Heller on April 25, 1980 in Grandin, ND and together they enjoyed winters in Arizona. He died in 2004.

Her hobbies include bowling, a love of gardening and flowers, cooking, baking, canning and quilting. She is remembered for the best ever buns and doughnuts. She was very loved and adored by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and happily lived to meet her great-great grandson, Wyatt.

Esther is survived by her children, Ronald (Marilyn) Woitzel and Carol Woitzel; her grandchildren, Steven (Melissa) Krueger, Scott Krueger, Todd (Michelle) Woitzel, Troy (Sherry) Woitzel, Tracy Woitzel and Tyler (Ashley) Woitzel; great-grandchildren, Isaac Krueger, Elizabeth Krueger, Andrew Krueger, Morgan (Ray) DeLoa, Macy (Jake) Pinion, Tanner Woitzel, Taylor Woitzel, Thomas Woitzel, Brady Woitzel, Mason Woitzel, Jacob Woitzel, William Ventling, Jonathon Ventling, Jack Woitzel and Eli Woitzel; great great-grandson, Wyatt DeLoa; and one sister, Mavis Connell.

Esther is preceded in death by siblings, Olga Heller, Harold Johnsrud, Carl Johnsrud, Lewis Johnsrud, Herman Johnsrud, Neil Johnsrud, Margaret Woitzel, Ella Hoadley, Helen Moen and Oscar Johnsrud.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 23 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.