Esther Burleson

Esther Burleson, born December 25,1924 in Park Rapids, MN passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Essentia Health/St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. A Celebration of Esther's life will be announced at a later date.

On November 13, 2018, Esther received a once in a lifetime invitation to a very special reunion. God called her to heaven where she joined the love of her life, her husband Bill. There to witness the joyous reunion were her parents; two sisters; three brothers; many dear friends; and three happy dogs. Left behind to celebrate her life are two daughters, Joanne (Steve) Wilmes of Lakeville, MN, Mary (Fred) Jarl of Brainerd, MN, three grandchildren; Stephen (Becky) Wilmes of Irmo, SC; Carla (Carl) Student of Lakeville, MN; Joe Wilmes of Richfield, MN; two great grandchildren; Sarah and Nathan Student of Lakeville, MN; and two brothers, John (Evelyn) Michels of Urbandale, Iowa; Donald (Alice) Michels of Duluth, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Esther enjoyed life. Some of her favorite things were chocolate chip cookies, holiday decorations, puzzle books and greeting cards.She loved watching her bird feeder, paging through the newspaper, looking at photographs with her daughter Joanne, and playing computer Solitaire with her daughter Mary. She looked forward to spending time with her extended family at summer get togethers on the lake, but she loved winter too. Especially snow!

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret (Ahrens) Michels; sisters, Liz Hanson and Marie Hawkins; and brothers Bill, Ray, and Paul Michels.

The family of Esther Burleson would like to thank all who cared for her with such skill and compassion at Essentia Health/St Joseph's Medical Center and Dr. Tyler Dunphy whose trusted care and counsel brought us to a place of peace. Special thanks also to the Good Samaritan angels of Elmwood House who kept Esther safe, comfortable and cared for with so much kindness and concern. She was surrounded by love. She knew it...and so did we.