Esther Townsend, age 100, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Carrington, ND, died Monday, November 28, 2011 at Sanford Palliative Medical Center in Fargo.

Esther Ann Gieseke was born on May 19, 1911, the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Marquardt) Gieseke in Redfield, SD. She was raised and attended school at Redfield.

On November 23, 1932, Esther was united in marriage to Russell A. Townsend in Aberdeen, SD. They lived in Redfield until 1934, when they moved to Aitkin, MN. Later they moved to ND and lived at Cathay, Juanita, Emrick, Glenfield, and Carrington. They enjoyed music and played in a band for 2 years. In the 1980’s, they enjoyed wintering in AZ. Russell died on October 17, 1992. Esther lived at Poplar Court until November 2007, when she moved to Fargo and resided with her daughter, Diane.

They made their living playing music for the first few years of their marriage, being able to play by ear. She was an accomplished accordionist and pianist, Esther played piano on her 100th birthday. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her friends, spending many hours entertaining at nursing homes, and had a tremendous love for her family. She was involved in the choir at Grace Lutheran for many years.

Esther is survived by four children, Dale (Gen) Townsend and Lola (Leo) Zink, both of Carrington, ND, Chuck (LeeAnn) Townsend and Diane Townsend, both of Fargo, ND; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a twin brother, a second brother, and one sister.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Grace Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 10:30AM

BURIAL: Carrington Cemetery