Esther Orn Obituary

Esther A. Orn, age 101, formerly of Stirum, ND, passed away July 12, 2025 at Edgewood Vista in Fargo, ND with her family at her side.
Esther was born on April 22, 1924 to John F. and Alma Totenhagen in Fergus Falls, MN. She grew up and attended school in Stirum and attended college in Ellendale, ND graduating with a teaching degree. She taught school for 4½ years.
On September 3, 1947, she married Lester Orn. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. They lived and farmed near Stirum until October of 2016 when they moved to Fargo.
Esther was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Garden Club, LWML and Birthday Club. She enjoyed playing cards, painting, crafts, sewing, playing her organ, square dancing, fishing, gardening and traveling. They spent time at their home in Mesa, AZ during the winter months.
She is survived by her two daughters, Eileen (Steve) Vaudt, Weston, WI and Marilyn (Dave) Hodgson, Wyndmere, ND; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Jen) Vaudt, Amanda Vaudt, Andrew Vaudt, Tara (Troy) Schini, Erika (Matt) Williams, Daniel (Deirdre) Hodgson, and Thomas Hodgson; nine great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Janny Totenhagen and Shelly Orn.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lester, a brother John Totenhagen, half siblings, Verna, Edward, Willliam, Alvis, and a grandson, Adam Vaudt.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by her funeral at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oakes. Burial will be at Immanuel Cemetery near Stirum. Esther's service will be live streamed on her obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, family prefers memorials to HIA Hospice formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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