Esther Dettmann

Esther K. Dettmann, 75, Judson, ND, died February 7, 2011 at The Pillars Hospice Home, Oakdale, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 12 at Salem United Church of Christ, New Salem, with the Reverend Ron Hildahl officiating. Burial will be in the Judson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 pm on Friday, February 11 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, New Salem. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Esther was born February 6, 1936 in New Salem, the daughter of Carl and Evelyn (Bethke) Held. She was raised south of New Salem and attended country school. Esther graduated from New Salem High School in 1953 and attended 2 years of college at Elmhurst near Chicago. Returning home, she married Glenn E. Dettmann on October 30, 1955. In 1967 Esther began babysitting for local families in the Judson area and continued until March 2010. A talented green thumb, she loved gardening, and living right by the roadside, her home and garden were well known. Also crocheting, knitting, and making Christmas ornaments were talents she enjoyed and shared. A gift for music, Esther played the organ, directed the choir, and led Sunday school singing. Her amazing hugs were treasured and cherished. Esther shared great hospitality and had a very welcoming home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. A beloved mother and grandmother, she will be missed by all who knew her. Left with fond memories are three daughters, Donna Marie Dettmann, Bowman, ND, Joy (Randy) Smith, Red Wing, MN, and Diane (Gary) Peterson, Woodbury, MN; her grandchildren, Derek and Erin Smith, Nicole, Cristina, and Adam Peterson; sister, Marie (Keith) Loynachan, Arlington, TX; brother, Donald (Marna) Held, Judson; Chris Cook, who chose Esther to be his Grandma and all the others who became much more than daycare children to her; and many nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Glenn.