The daughter of William and Esther Nagel, Esther was born in Barney, ND January 23, 1919. Shortly after, the family moved to Blackduck, Minnesota.
Esther lived in Blackduck until April 2, 1938 when she married Justin R. Stay and became a permanent resident of rural Bemidji.
Esther enjoyed life to its fullest. She enjoyed the unending activities farm life had to offer; baking, cooking, gardening, canning, berry picking, churning butter, sewing, knitting, crocheting, taking care of kids, hunting, fishing and going to barn dances.
In her retirement years Esther loved to travel. She took many cruises to different parts of the world and made it a point to travel to visit her children and grandchildren on a regular basis. During the summer months Esther and her long time friends in the neighborhood were a familiar sight as they enjoyed walking the country roads together.
Esther spent the last year and a half at the Good Samaritan Home in Blackduck where she received the most caring professional care anyone could ask for. It was here on February 29, 2008, while attended by the "Angels of the Good Samaritan Home" God put His hands upon Esther's shoulders and took her into His care.
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Esther is survived by her seven children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. As Esther joins her husband, her mom and dad, her grandson Shawn, sisters, in-laws and good friends who have gone before her, she will be sadly missed by those who loved her most.
A memorial service will be held for Esther at a later date.
--Paid obituary
