Esther Schlenker, 91, Dickinson, ND, formerly of Gackle, passed away Thursday afternoon April 24, 2008 at the St. Benedict's Health Care Center in Dickinson, ND.

Esther Francis Heidinger was born December 16, 1916 at Kulm, ND, the daughter of Adam Heidinger and Leah (Ruff) Heidinger. She attended the local rural school near Kulm, where she received her elementary education and grew to womanhood in the vicinity.

She and Ralph Schlenker were married September 12, 1937 at Alfred, ND. They made their home in Jamestown where they were employed at the ND State Hospital until 1941. They moved to the Schlenker farm NE of Alfred, ND and farmed there until 1988 when they moved to Gackle. Following the death of her husband September 13, 1995, she continued to reside in Gackle until March of 2008 when she became a resident of St. Benedict's Health Care Center in Dickinson. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Gackle and also a member of the Gleaners Women Society.Esther enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, cooking, baking and gardening; but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed many gatherings with them through out her life. She was definitely the helpmate of her husband on the family farm where she was involved in the entire farming operation. She was a woman who devoted her life to her family and will be remembered for only speaking kind and caring words and as a person who said "thank you" for any and every act of kindness shown to her, no matter how small.We will miss the wonderful cooking of German dishes and her delicious apple pies and dill pickles. You blessed our lives in so many ways: as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. You gave true meaning to love with your prayful and gentle ways that help shape our lives. May your spirit continue to live within us so that we can continue to be the Christian role model that you were to us. She was confident that that when her time came to pass from this life, she would go to be with the Lord, her maker and sustainer.

She is survived by 1 son, Gordon Schlenker, Alfred, ND; 1 daughter, Joyce (Dana) Rivinius, Dickinson, ND; 3 grandchildren, Julie (Rob) Hess, Alfred, ND, Michael (Christine) Rivinius, Bismarck, ND, Mark (Tina) Rivinius, Dickinson, ND, 5 great grandchildren, Alicia Hess, Alfred, ND; Katelyn and Madison Rivinius, Bismarck, ND; Makayla and Mathew Rivinius, Dickinson, ND; and 1 brother, Maurice Heidinger, Billings, MT. ` She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 1 daughter-in-law, Sharon, and 1 brother, Hilbert.

The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 30, 2008 at the Grace Baptist Church in Gackle, ND with Rev. Tim Blackman, officiating.

The interment will be made in the Gackle Cemetery at Gackle, ND.

Visitation - 9-5 Monday: 9-9 Tuesday @ the funeral home in Gackle

Memorials will be given to: Crystal Springs Bible Camp

Esther Schlenker

December 16, 1916 - April 24, 2008

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