Esther Retzlaff
Esther Retzlaff 87 of Ellendale, ND died Thursday, June 8, 2023, at her home in Ellendale.
Esther was born May 28, 1936, to John Jr. and Emma (Deutscher) Hoffman in Sacramento, CA. When she was three months, her family moved to Streeter, ND, where she was raised and educated. She was baptized November 1936 at the Evangelical United Brethren Reformed Church in Streeter, ND by Rev. A. Gehring. Later they moved to the Ellendale area where she continued her education. On July 8, 1951, she was confirmed at Evangelical and Reformed Church, Fullerton, ND by Rev. Martin Peper.
As a young woman, she was hired as a nanny by several families in Ellendale. The Rollo family was the last one to hire her, since they were instrumental in introducing Esther to Carl Jr. The two were united in marriage on October 14, 1956 at the Retzlaff farm home. Esther worked closely with Carl on the farm for 39 years before moving into Ellendale.
Esther was a loving, gentle caring Christian wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an avid gardener showing skills in raising a large garden at the farm to supply the family with healthy food during the summer and winter. She loved to cook, can, bake, sew and keep her home neat and tidy. She loved working alongside her husband, Carl Jr. and children farming the land – especially in the springtime when all the baby animals, flowers and gardens came into bloom and fieldwork started.
She was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Albion Township where she was confirmed April 14, 1957, by Rev. Clem Mehl. Later the family transferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale where she was treasurer for L.W.M.L. Circle III for many years, T.O.P.S. group (the ladies she thought of as a special group of sisters and adored them) and Garden Club. Carl and Esther did a bit of traveling after retirement, bus tours to Canada, California, Minneapolis and Branson which they enjoyed together. She always got her daily dose of her favorite comic strip, Pickles and Blondie.
She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her beloved memory will be forever cherished by her two children: David (Dawn) Retzlaff, Ellendale, Donna Retzlaff, Ellendale and grandson Isaac Carl Retzlaff whom she thought the world of; one sister: Leona Hoffman, Ellendale; three brothers: Leslie (Karen) Hoffman, Ellendale, Jimmie (Carolyn) Hoffman, Peoria, AZ, and Darles (Coleen) Hoffman, Evansville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl Jr., brothers, Clinton Stanley, Wesley, brother-in-law Emil F. Retzlaff and nephew, Wayne Hoffman.