Esther G. Hand, 88

Esther Gabrielson Hand passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She succumbed to a stroke.

Esther was born on June 22, 1928, to Gabriel and Geta Gabrielson near Luverne, Minnesota. Both her mother and father had emigrated from Norway and, until her school days, Esther spoke only Norwegian. The Gabrielson family lived on a farm that her father was able to purchase after successfully mining for gold in Alaska. There is plenty of work to go around on a farm and as Esther’s elder sister, Ruth, predominantly worked inside the house, Esther kept busy with outside chores with her “Pa.”

Esther met the love of her life in Anchorage, Alaska. Bob Hand was stationed there with the Army and Esther was teaching at a local school. They married June 27, 1955, in St. James, Minnesota; so upon Esther’s passing they had been married 61 years.

Esther earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education of Home Economics degree from St. Olaf, Minnesota. She earned master’s credits in psychology on a fellowship in Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and a Master of Arts in Developmentally Handicapped degree from the University of Montana in Missoula.

She had a diverse work history which included county home agent in St. James, Minnesota; teacher of social studies in Anchorage, Alaska; teacher of home economics in Quinamo, Kansas; real estate agent in Los Altos, California; teacher of special education at Whitefish High School, Whitefish; teacher and special services in the Writing Lab at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell; and tax return preparer, H&R Block in Kalispell.

Hobbies and interests included sewing, cooking, golf, dancing and church. She loved to read … especially books by Dick Francis. She enjoyed learning new things through travel and she and Bob were fortunate to travel to London, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey and the surrounding islands. After she and Bob retired, they were “snowbirds” as they wintered in Wickenberg, Arizona, where they played golf, volunteered at a local museum, socialized with friends and enjoyed the scenery and sunshine. Esther had a strong and special bond with her granddaughters and spent much time and contributed much love as they grew up.

Esther was generous, loving and tended to put others needs before her own. She had strong convictions and could be stubborn. She loved to laugh, had a ready smile and a positive outlook on life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gabriel and Geta Gabrielson; her sister, Ruth Kirby; and her brothers, Olaf Gabrielson, Garfield Gabrielson and Gabriel “Bud” Gabrielson.

Esther is survived by her husband, Bob G. Hand; her children, Mark G. Hand of Caldwell, Idaho, Sonja H. Border of Missoula, and Rebecca Hand-Smith of Kalispell; her grandchildren, Heather B. Grutsch and Kristen B. Patton, both of Missoula; and great-grandchildren Grace, Brandon and Claire Grutsch, of Missoula.

Cremation has taken place. The family has plans for a private memorial at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.