Esther M. Lerfald

Esther M. Lerfald, 98, Grand Forks, died Saturday, June 30, 2012 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Esther Lerfald, born Dec. 24, 1913 to Iver K. and Elizza Marie (Pederson) Johnson on the family farm near Sharon, ND, died June 30 in Grand Forks. She grew up on the farm with 6 sisters and 2 brothers, one her twin brother Imer. She attended Huff Church and graduated from Sharon High School. After working in Grand Forks and Minneapolis she returned home to marry George I. Lerfald on Dec. 24, 1937. They lived in Northwood, ND and moved to Grand Forks in 1941. They were blessed with two daughters, Yvonne Loy (Bonnie) Egertson and Elaine Marie Rudd. She was a loving and supportive housewife and mother. They joined Sharon Lutheran church in 1942. She was active in Sunday School, choir, Ladies Aid, Circle and Golden Age. Other volunteer activities included Girl Scout Leader and PTA. She belonged to a Birthday club and to Homemakers. She enjoyed oil painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting and traveling. She especially enjoyed weekends at their cottage on Island Lake near Lengby, MN which they shared with the Larry Bue family of Grand Forks. George died on June 15, 1985. Besides her two daughters, she leaves behind two sons-in-law, Joel Egertson of Lakewood, OH and Jim Rudd of Hillsboro, ND, two granddaughters, Jo Anne (Kevin) Kershner of Powell, OH, and Jennifer (Adam) Renkly of Fargo, ND, two great- grandchildren, Cassidy and Mitchell Kershner; one sister, Vivian (Leslie) Bugbee of Mason City, IA and numerous neices and nephews. Funeral Services: will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012 in Sharon Lutheran Church, 1720 S. 20th St., Grand Forks. Visitation: will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. Prayer Service Friday, July 6 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND and one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.