Esther Boerger

Esther Boerger, age 76, of Mobile, AL, formerly of Milbank, SD, died on March 2, 2023. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home Chapel in Milbank. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the memorial service. Pastor Phillip Ostlund will officiate, and burial will be at Milbank City Cemetery.

Esther Helen (Swenson) Boerger was born on August 27, 1946, to Edwin and Clara (Hanson) Swenson in Strandburg, SD. Esther graduated from Strandburg High School, attended Bethel College in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University. She married Clifford Boerger in December 1968, and Esther and Cliff raised two daughters in Milbank, SD. Esther taught high school English at Milbank High School from 1968 until 1973, and then stayed home for several years with her young daughters. She taught again at Grant-Deuel High School from 1980 until 2002.  She was known for having high expectations for her students and loved to teach them how to write well.

After retiring from education, Esther was a consultant for Longaberger Baskets for many years, and she enjoyed traveling to Longaberger national conventions and meeting new people. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed gardening and being outside with her many plants and flowers.

Her husband, Cliff, farmed for many years and then became a long-haul truck driver, and Esther often travelled with him. Throughout their marriage, they loved to travel to see family and friends all over the United States and made three trips to Europe. They often visited their two daughters, Valerie and Tanya, and their families at their homes in Mobile, AL, and the Baltimore, MD, area, respectively. Esther adored their three grandchildren and especially loved them when they were babies.

Esther was an active member of Valley Baptist Church in Milbank, New Life Community Church in Ortonville, MN, and First Baptist Church of Maryville in Tennessee. She played the organ and piano, led Bible studies, and helped organize countless church events. She had a deep faith in God and shared His love with many throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Cliff; her daughters: Valerie (Matt) Johnson, and Tanya (Kevin) Wilson; three grandchildren: Joshua (Makayla) Wallace, Eric Johnson, and Aisling Wilson; her beloved sister, Edith (Larry) Lee; and two nephews: Richard Lee, and Robert (Lauren) Lee; and many other family members. Preceding her in death were her parents, Edwin and Clara.

Her family is comforted during this difficult time because they know that Esther is rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Olive Branch Outreach, PO Box 7334, Loveland, CO 80537. Contributions will help Charles and Beverly Kohl (Esther’s cousin) who are presently missionaries to Muslims in France.