Esther L. (Malstrom) Hulstrand, age 91, resident of Lakota, ND, passed away on January 8, 2010 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Esther Lois Malstrom was born in rural Fargo , ND , on October 24, 1918 the daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Olson) Malstrom. She grew up on the family farm, attending school in West Fargo and Wild Rice before graduating from Oak Grove High School in 1937. After graduating from Interstate Business College in Fargo she went to work for American News Agency.

On June 19, 1942 Esther married Kenneth Hulstrand in Fargo , ND . They lived in Minneapolis , MN and Leeds , ND before moving to Lakota, ND in 1944. They raised their two children, Jeanne and Larry, in Lakota. Esther worked with Kenneth in the family construction business for many years.

Esther enjoyed oil painting, flower gardening, and reading. She always enjoyed when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come to visit.

She was an active member of the Lakota Lutheran Church , serving as a Sunday School teacher and held many offices in the WELCA.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne Laabs of Sarasota, FL; her son, Larry (Nancy) of Lakota, ND; two grandchildren, Chris Laabs of Fredericksburg, VA and Jennifer Laabs of Bismarck, ND; and three great-grandchildren of Fredericksburg, VA. She is also survived by her sister, Blanche Utke of Fargo , ND .

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Carl and Vernon , and her sister Faye Olson.

The family expresses deep appreciation for the care given to Esther at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Esther's Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Reuben Schnaidt. The organist will be Karen Fowler and the soloist will be Sally Simonson. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery . Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Tuesday beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.