Esther Mehlhoff, 90, Minot, formerly of rural Coleharbor, died on Friday, May 12, 2017 at her home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. Burial will be at the Garrison City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 6 pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Esther Alice Mehlhoff was born August 14, 1926 in Malcolm Township in rural Coleharbor, ND to Fredrick and Paulina (Hofer) Weiss. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Coleharbor. At 5 years old, her parents had to do some smooth talking so that Esther could start school with her best friend, Gertrude (Mehlhoff) Boger. When she was 18 she made the decision that she was going to stay at home and help her parents with the farm.

Esther married Alexander (Aleck) Mehlhoff at the Jacob Mehlhoff farm in rural Coleharbor. They made their home in Linder Township, northeast of Coleharbor, where they farmed and raised cattle. While on the farm, they were members of Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Coleharbor of 40 years where Esther was active in WELCA, taught Sunday School, and was a church officer. They were later members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison. Esther was also very active in Farmer's Union.

Esther and Aleck moved to Minot in 1991 and they also wintered in Mission, TX and McClellan, TX for many years. While living on the farm, Esther always had huge gardens. Her family and friends told her that her gardens attributed to her long and healthy life.

Esther is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. They were all very special to Esther and were very dedicated to helping her.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband Aleck, and siblings, Ida Nelson, William Nelson, Michael Mehlhoff, Lilly Huesers, Bernard Huesers, Helen Probst, Cornelius (Oscar) Probst, Elvira Little, and Charles Little.