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Esther Lygre Holte

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Esther, completed her earthly life on January 12, 2021, at the age of 103. Born in Minneapolis, MN, she became an excellent student and accompanist, graduating second both in her large high school and from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.She married Gerald Lygre, a Lutheran minister, and in 1945 moved to South Africa as missionaries to the Zulu people in the little village of Untunjambili. Four years later they returned to the US, serving churches in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Three days after retirement, Esther became a widow. A few years later Esther married Carlyle Holte, a religion professor at St. Olaf College. They eventually moved to Sun City, AZ, enjoying over 20 years together. They traveled to Zimbabwe to teach at a theological college in Harare, and to Sitka, Alaska, where she played a few summers on the historical first pipe organ on the western coast of North America. Esther was preceded in death by both husbands, son John Lygre, and son-in-law Lou Sherfesee. She is lovingly remembered by her son David (Laurae) Lygre of Ellensburg, WA, and daughters Carol Sherfesee of New Castle, NH, and Lois (Carlton) Mitchell of Spirit Lake, IA, and daughter-in-law Jeanne Lygre of Lakeville, MN. Her memory also lives on in her 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many friends. A private service for Esther will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause dear to her heart—organizations that help those in need of hunger for food, and education.