Esther M. Tisdale

Esther M. Tisdale, age 96 of Grafton, ND passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Esther M. Wibe was born Aug. 17, 1918 in Bisbee, North Dakota, the daughter of the late John and Alma (Berg) Wibe. She attended schools in Bisbee and graduated high school from Cando, ND. She attended Mayville State Teachers College and received her teaching certificate. Esther taught rural school in St. Thomas, ND and it was there she met her future husband, Raymond F. Tisdale. The couple married on September 26, 1941 in Crookston, MN. They lived and farmed near St. Thomas, ND until his death April 1, 1972. Esther moved into Grafton in 1974 and started working as a cook in Food Services at the Grafton Developmental Center. She worked there for 11 years, retiring in the mid 1980's. In October of 2012 she moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home. She was a member of the Golden Rule Homemakers, the Unity Hospital Auxiliary, a 50 year member of St. Thomas United Methodist Church and was currently a member of Zion Lutheran church, rural Hoople. Esther was very active in the St. Thomas United Methodist Women's Group and Zion Lutheran WELCA. Esther loved to do crafts and give homemade gifts to family and friends. She also loved to play cards. She played her entire life and belonged to a card club. She especially loved winning and was hard to beat even at 96! She is survived by her daughters: Beverly (Dean) Hurtt, Hoople, ND; Diane (Grant) Brandon, Eagen, MN; son-in-law, Carl "Corky" George, Gilby, ND; ten grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son James, daughter, Monie George, brother, Mervin Wibe, grandson-in-law, Tim McCann and sister-in-law, Evelyn Wibe. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church of rural Hoople, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery, St. Thomas, ND.