Obit: Persson, Hester (1917 - 2008)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Holmquist, Kleifgen, Parker, Persson,

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, November 13, 2008, online edition

Persson, Hester (July 5, 1917 - November 9, 2008)

Hester Persson, 91, died Sunday, Nov. 9 at Memorial Nursing and Rehab Center in Medford, where she had been staying while recovering from a stroke.

Hester Parker was born July 5, 1917 in Fitchburg, Mass., to Ruth and Sherman Parker.

She attended local schools and on August 29, 1938 was married to K. Alvar Persson, also of Fitchburg. He later attended divinity school and became a Lutheran minister. They served in parishes in Vermont, New York, Rhode Island, Minnesota and Connecticut. After retirement they lived in Minnesota, North Carolina and finally Wisconsin.

Hester was a member of the National Association of Tole and Decorative Painters, and her work was used commercially on many items including calendars, posters and greeting cards. Among those who knew her, she is best remembered for her friendly and outgoing personality. Her positive outlook and optimism were a source of inspiration to everyone she met.

She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her husband of 70 years, Alvar; one son, David (Janet) of Southampton, N.Y.; daughter Betsy Holmquist of Grove City, Minn., daughter Diane of Greensboro, N.C., and daughter Carolyn (Tony) Kleifgen of Medford; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.