Esther M. Thomsen, age 97 of Underwood, ND died Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, July 18, 2009;
First Assembly of God Church – Underwood, ND;
Rev. Al Johnson, Officiating.

Esther was born February 23, 1912 at Underwood, ND to Nick & Mary (Lund) Engler. She was one of three sets of twins in her family. She graduated from Underwood High School in 1930 and was a member of the state championship girls basketball team. Following high school, Esther received a teaching certificate from Minot State College and taught in rural schools for five years. She was united in marriage to Bernard "Ben" Thomsen on July 21, 1934 and lived her entire life in the Underwood area. Esther and Ben were married for 71 years before his death in December 2005. Esther was involved in many area projects, serving as President of the Underwood Homemakers Club and establishing the Underwood Public Library. She was also active with the Silver-Haired Legislature, the District 8 Democrats, and the Underwood Senior Center. Her passion since the early 1960's was making quilts. She made literally hundreds and gave them to her family, neighbors, and friends. She made two quilts which were especially interesting: a Bicentennial quilt which contained all 50 state Governors signatures; and a world peace quilt containing the signatures of world leaders and Presidents from 60 different countries. These two particular quilts had a theme, one about being united together, and the other about promoting world peace.

She is survived by two sons Erling (Luverl) Thomsen of Sioux Falls, SD, & Ivan (Joyce) Thomsen of Kissimmee, FL; one daughter, Bernardine Cundiff of Sioux Falls, SD;
8 grandchildren & 16 great grandchildren; one brother, George (Laurene) Engler of Great Falls, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband (Ben), her parents, and 8 brothers and sisters.