Esther Bernice Arneson

Esther B. Arneson, age 79, of Alexandria passed away suddenly on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Grand Arbor Senior Living in Alexandria.

A private memorial service will be held at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Interment will take place at Indherred Lutheran Cemetery in Starbuck.

Esther Bernice was born on October 23, 1944, to Ferdinand and Mabel (Hagen) Arneson in Starbuck. She grew up on the homestead farm with her five siblings and graduated from Glenwood High School. Esther continued her education at Moorhead State University, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Education. Following her collegiate education, she taught physical education in the Wadena school system for several years. In 1973, Esther moved to California, where she continued to teach. Esther moved to Colorado in the late 1970s and remained a Denver-area resident most of her adult life. She held many different jobs during her time in Colorado. Most notably, she served as a pharmacy tech at Kaiser Permanente towards the end of her career. Esther and her significant other, Robert “Bob” Schweisser, shared a life together for over 40 years. They enjoyed traveling around the country in their van and staying at campgrounds. Esther was an animal lover, often feeding squirrels and stray cats from her deck. She enjoyed being a “dog grandma” to Robin, Bob’s daughter, who had two dogs. Esther was loved dearly by both dogs, including one who didn’t really care for people. Esther and Bob also enjoyed target shooting and she even won several marksman competitions at their local gun club. Esther loved collecting figurines and artwork of owls of every size, shape and form. After Bob’s death, Esther moved back to Minnesota in May 2023, so she could be closer to family. In this chapter of her life, she found a new haven at Grand Arbor Senior Living, where she was embraced with care by the staff and surrounded by love from her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; common-law husband, Bob; and two sisters, Alyce (Melford) McClure and Gladys Bohn.

Esther is survived by her step-daughter, Robin (Craig) Hayes, Louisville, Colorado; brothers, David (Jan) Arneson of Glenwood, Edward (Patricia) Arneson of Alexandria, and Leonard Arneson of Moorhead; along with 12 beloved nieces, nephews, their spouses, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.