Esther Tostenson was born March 23, 1915 on the family farm in Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of John J. and Anna Christine (Steen) Skare. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Swift Falls Church. Esther attended school at District #13 through the eighth grade. On September 6, 1932, Esther was united in marriage to Milo Tostenson at the Sisseton Church Parsonage by F.D. McMartin. They were blessed with four children and 66 years of marriage. Milo passed away in 1999. After their marriage they lived in the Benson and Swift Falls area. Esther worked at the Swift Falls Turkey plant and cleaned houses. She then worked eleven years for Fingerhut. Esther was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, a Bible School teacher, and sang in the church choir. She also was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, a kitchen band, and the Mother's Club. Among the things she enjoyed were baking donuts, growing flowers, embroidery, search-a-word puzzles, watching Twins baseball, Bingo and quilting. Esther was called from this life on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. She attained the age of 96 years, 3 months and 5 days. Esther is survived by her children: Marcia (James) Offerdahl of Benson, John Tostenson of Willmar, and Julie (Dale) Gorres of Glenwood; eight grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; a sister Hilda Pederson of Benson; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Milo, a son, Mark in 1949; and her parents.
