Esther Elaine Floren

Esther Floren, 91, of Willmar, died Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

Her memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, at First Covenant Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. The service will be streamed on the church's website. Interment will be at Bethany Cemetery in Clara City at a later date. Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

Esther was born April 8, 1934, in Lone Tree Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Ella (Hilbrands) Frikke. She lived with her family in the Raymond area until 1945, when they moved to Willmar. She attended Willmar Public Schools and graduated from Willmar High School in 1953. She later attended Ridgewater College for computer classes.

On June 18, 1955, she married James Floren at First Presbyterian Church in Willmar and five children: Gene, Carlyne, John, Allen and Leland, were born to their marriage. They later divorced. Esther worked as an office manager for the Christian Rest Home (later Rice Care Center) for 33 years, retiring in 1999.

Esther was a member of First Covenant Church in Willmar. She enjoyed traveling and took many bus trips in retirement. She also enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and quilting and made many quilts and wall hangings for her family.

Esther is survived by her children: Gene (Mary) Floren, Carlyne (Dean) Corle, John (Kellie) Floren, Allen (Debra) Floren and Leland (Barbara) Floren; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Schmidt. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Gertrude Frikke.