Esther Sleen, age 95, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Pelican Valley Senior Living, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Esther May Ellingson was born on March 7, 1929, in Bradford Township, rural Doran, MN, the daughter of John and Mabel (Shelstad) Ellingson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Vukku Lutheran Church in rural Doran. Esther attended rural school district #16 in Wilkin County and continued her education at Campbell High School, graduating in 1947. She attended one year of Teacher's Training in Fergus Falls and continued her education at Moorhead State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. On June 29, 1968, Esther married Ardean Sleen at Vukku Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Pelican Rapids. Esther taught several years in a rural school, then Luverne, MN,Albert Lea, MN, and taught in the Pelican Rapids Public School after her marriage until retiring in 1989.

Esther was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. She was active in Circle and had taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and served on several committees. Esther did volunteer work in school and the community.

Esther enjoyed music, flower gardens, and Creative Memories scrap booking. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Norway, Hawaii and Alaska.

Esther is survived by her brother-in-law, Eldon Brenden of Rothsay, MN; 4 nieces: Jan (Rick) Haugrud, Kari (Jay) Schuman, Karen (Larry) Paulson, and Carolyn (Loren) Leman; 3 nephews: Joe (Ann) Bratvold, Kevin (Julie) Brenden, and Lynn (Faye) Brenden, and Barb Bratvold (Mark's wife); and many great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ardean; sisters: Marilyn Brenden and Margaret Bratvold; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Bratvold; nephew Mark Bratvold.

Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Schwirian and Allen Westby, S.A.M. officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.