Virtual Funeral Service Please click here. Esther Milda Kolbenson was born on the family farm near Fosston, Saskatchewan on April 17, 1927 to Ole and Betse Kolbenson. She was the youngest of eight children. She passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021 at the Wadena Hospital. Esther was raised on the family farm near Fosston and attended Mallard Rural School along with her brothers and sisters. Growing up on the farm, there was always lots of work to do and when her mom became ill, she willingly lent a helping hand. When Esther lost her mom in 1960, she continued to help out on the farm, as well as working away from home. Over the years, she would come home to cook and clean on her days off. She was proud of the hard work of her parents and siblings and wanted to continue the heritage. In 1956, Esther started working at the Rose Valley Union Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Anyone who worked with her or received care from her knew what a caring, kind and gentle person she was with a strong work ethic. She was a wonderful mentor to those she worked with. She retired in 1992 after a 36-year career and moved to the farm full time. She resided there until very recently. She appreciated the visits from family, friends and neighbours. Her famous lunches were known by all. Coming for tea was never just tea. It was a table spread with food and then stories of her four trips to Norway with family or shared experiences with those who visited. She loved taking pictures and she would always have a picture or two to show us of the family or maybe a deer or other wildlife that had visited the yard recently. There were always interesting conversations and wonderful shared times. Family meant everything to her. We have many fond memories of our times together at family gatherings, including her enjoyment of being teased and the laughter that would follow. There was always lots of music and games enjoyed by all. Throughout the years she was happy to help others when extra care was needed. This was her true calling. She was a wonderful, compassionate, and caring person. Esther was predeceased by her parents, Ole and Betse; brothers Kolben, Harold, Stanley and Milton; sisters Myrtle, Ingeborg and Bertha; brothers-in-law Clifford and Cliff; sisters-in-law Shannon and Florence; nephew Arlen; niece Iva; and nephew-in-law Milton. Esther is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Bernice; nieces and nephews, Doreen (Art) Lundell, Carol McCaslin, Sharon (Senno) Zuch, Judy (Bill) Faulkner, Lee (Marg) Kolbenson, Sharyl (Terry) Thomas, Irvin (Arlene) Kolbenson, Bryce (Bernadine) Kolbenson, Lorna (Ron) Heistad, Diane (Wayne) Kanak and Brenda (Myron) Holo, along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her friends and neighbours. A private family service will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Livestreaming will be available Narfason’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium’s Facebook Page. Memorial donations may be made at the donor’s choice. Arrangements in care of Narfason’s Funeral Chapel (306.338.2251).