Esther Fisher

On March 3, 2014, Esther Marvel Fisher celebrated her 101st birthday. Esther peacefully entered heaven’s pathway on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. She was born in Lidgerwood, ND to Joseph and Rose Kouba Stav. Esther was raised with three siblings near Manning, ND where they attended country school until relocating to Dickinson, which was necessary to further their education. She graduated from Dickinson High School in 1931 and received her teacher’s certificate two years later at Dickinson State Teacher’s College. She then taught school at Dent Hill and Stroh schools in Dunn County for five years. Esther married Henry Fisher in 1941, and together they ranched on the Green River until Henry’s death in 1959. Ester was the epitome of western life, loving the outdoors and all the hard work that came with it, which was “fun” at the “half-circle/cone brand” Fisher ranch. Esther was a real ranch hand, working the horses and the Hereford cattle as well as any. She was born to live that life. She taught some school and spent some time in Colorado and New Mexico following Henry’s death, returning to reside in Dickinson. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and volunteered within the community before infirmities necessitated assisted living. Esther is the last of her three siblings to leave us; Carl at 97, Fern (Munro) 96, and Dave accidentally at 57. She is survived by her caretaking nieces, Arlene Munro (Bill) Haaversen of Brainerd, MN and Roberta Munro Carmody, Lexington, KY. Also surviving, are the children of Carl Stav (Karen, Cindy, and Bobby); and the children of David Stav (Judy and Terry, each of whom reside in the western US). Esther remained feisty and fun up to her death. A special thank you is extended by her nieces to the staff at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson for enjoying her unique and humorous qualities with patience and smiles. Our Auntie kept us all perky. She will be missed!A graveside service celebrating Esther’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Esther’s honor may be made to Hospice, 2500 Fairway St, Dickinson or St. Benedict’s Health Center, 851 4th Ave E, Dickinson, ND 58601.