Esther Viola Olson

Esther was born at the farm in Sharon, North Dakota June 12, 1898. The1900 census for Steele County, Westfield Township notes that she was 1year old. Esther is not included in the Westfield School picture dated1905 but is included in the list of pupils for the school year October15, 1906 to May 17, 1907. Esther was confirmed at Hoff Lutheran Churchin 1912. She attended Oak Grove Seminary, Fargo, North Dakota. She andHenry Rydland were married November 10, 1918 and she became a 'Pastor'sWife'. She was a wonderful partner and assistant to Henry. They sangbeautiful duets and gave loving care to members of their parishes.
Summers at the cottage at Lake Crystal were always so much fun. Each ofus had a special cousin and were able to become close friends in thosehappy days. Sunday afternoon was time for our families to be togetherand share fish freshly caught, goulash, and fresh homemade bread. Ofcourse, the oldest girls Leora and Arline usually had the privilege ofwashing the dishes - but the fun was worth it.
After Henry's untimely death, Esther continued on bravely to care for herfamily and pursue a career in nursing. In those days the minister andhis family lived in a Parsonage owned by the church, so this left Estherand her family without a home. With the help of her brothers andbrothers-in-law she moved to a home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota withRuth, Sylvia, Valborg and Ralph. Arne was in college and Leora workedfor Northwestern Bank in Minneapolis. Leora and I [Arline] lived withEsther and the family for several months. Esther became a very lovingand caring nurse who never complained or indulged in self-pity. She hada strong faith and wanted the same for all of her family.
There were many family gatherings of the Olson clan at Esther's home inSt. Louis Park and Esther welcomed us all when we visited.
It was a thrill to have our Aunt Esther visit us in California. Her 80thbirthday party in Minneapolis was time for another wonderful reunion.
Esther was a talented singer, seamstress, and artist. One of her pieceswas a Japanese lady done with aluminum foil that had been colored bypainting the foil. After Esther retired, she painted many lovely oilpaintings.
Esther died in February 1987 in Minneapolis of cancer. Memorial servicewas held in Franklin and she is buried in Franklin cemetery.