Esther Marion Lee

Esther Marion (Haugaard) Lee, 90, died December 6, 2018, in her home.

                Esther was born August 30, 1928, near Luverne, ND.  The daughter of Danish immigrants, Peder Haugaard and Martha (Laursen) Haugaard, she was extremely proud of her 100% Danish heritage. Esther grew up on a farm, attended a country school, and graduated from high school in 1945. Following graduation from a two-year teachers college, she taught in Page, ND, for three years.

                Esther married Ronald E. Lee on June 4, 1950, in Luverne, ND.  They moved to Grand Forks, ND, in 1951. 

                Esther was a substitute teacher in Grand Forks before beginning her “career” as a volunteer for what is now Altru Alliance.  Most Wednesdays you could find her at the front desk of (United) Altru Hospital greeting visitors.  Over 45 years of volunteering, Esther amassed the staggering sum of 12,723 volunteer hours.  In 2016 she was awarded the Sertoma Volunteer of the Year award, an honor she greatly cherished.

                Esther was the secretary for the Thursday Music Club for many years and also sang with their choir. Additionally, she sang in the Augustana Lutheran Church choir for over 40 years and served in many other volunteer positions.

                Esther is survived by her children Sherryl Abplanalp, Bonnie (Phil) Harmeson, and John (Jeanne) Lee; grandchildren Angie (Harry) Wood, Brianne Harmeson, Jen (Dan) Schneider, Greg Abplanalp, Ryan (Kelsey) Lee, and Logan Lee; and great-grandchildren Ian and Hannah Wood; Makenna, Paysen, Emersyn, and Raeghan Lee; and Finn Schneider.

                Esther was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Anne Haugaard, Kenneth Haugaard, and Wilbur Haugaard.

                The family would like to thank Karen, Diane, Emily, Haley, Jodie, Lisa, Jill, Patty, Amber and the Altru Hospice nurses for making it possible to fulfill Esther’s wish to be at home.

                In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Esther’s name to Altru Alliance, Altru Hospice, Thursday Music Club, or Augustana Lutheran Church choir.

                Visitation will be from 12pm-1pm, followed by the funeral at 1pm, Saturday, December 15, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.  Interment will be at Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks.