Esther Nora Wallum

Esther Nora Wallum, 88, Fargo ND, passed away Tuesday, May 26 at Essentia Health surrounded by her family. She was born to Louis and Lydia (Thun) Steinke on the family farm located in West Miltona Township in Douglas Country, Minnesota on January 30, 1927.

She grew up on the farm, the youngest of five children and graduated from Parker’s Prairie High School in 1944. Esther attended the St. Cloud Normal School preparing her for the teaching profession, and began her teaching career at the age of 19. She taught elementary classes in various school districts in
Minnesota, teaching in the Detroit Lakes school system for over 30 years, retiring in 1985.

She met her future husband, Harlan Wallum, while teaching in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Harlan and Esther were married on June 17, 1964. For the remainder of their educational careers, they lived at their lake home on Little Detroit Lake. Esther and Harlan enjoyed fishing, grouse and pheasant hunting, horse racing at the Assiniboine Downs track in Winnipeg and trips to Iowa for dog racing. Additionally, they enjoyed traveling to historical cities across the nation.

The Wallums moved to Fargo in 1997 to be closer to medical services and sports activities. Esther and Harlan enjoyed watching basketball and football games, following teams from Concordia, NDSU, and UND. In later years, Esther was an avid Bison Team Maker, occupying the same seat in the Fargodome for many years.

Esther and Harlan were members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church where they enjoyed meeting new friends and participating in numerous activities. Harlan died October 13, 2003.

Esther was the consummate hostess and enjoyed baking and cooking for visitors. She loved to play cards, take trips to the casino, and have coffee with friends. She cherished the opportunities she had to spend time with family and friends. She lived at the Good Samaritan Society Assisted Living facility in Fargo for the past six years.

Esther is survived by her nephews: Marvin (Gloria) Schauland, Parkers Prairie, MN; John (Vickie)
Schauland, Parkers Prairie, MN; Jim (Liane) Mattson, Eagen, MN; John (Edie) Mattson, Fairbault, MN; Jeff (Sherry) Mattson, Dalton, MN; Zachary (Talida) Pierce, Bellevue, WA; niece: Jody (Bernie) Gloe, Warroad, MN; Sister-in-law: Julie (Tom) Pierce, Seattle, WA; and several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; parents; four siblings: Henry, Martha, Emma and Elsie; nephew, Juel Mattson and nieces, Norma (Schauland) Neff and Ruth Schauland.