Esther Mary Wilkinson

Esther Mary Wilkinson, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Frazee, Minnesota, on Friday, October 11, 2024. 

Born on September 23, 1944, she was the first child of Wilmer and Lucille Bingaman and was raised on a ranch in western South Dakota. Esther received her early education through homeschooling until the eighth grade, after which she attended Hettinger High School in Hettinger, North Dakota, where she graduated with honors. She furthered her education at Miltonvale Wesleyan College in Miltonvale, Kansas, for one year before embarking on a lifelong journey of love and commitment. 

On June 9, 1964, Esther married Harold Wilkinson. The couple lived on the family farm for eleven years before relocating to the Frazee area on September 1, 1975. After a brief return to South Dakota, they purchased a farm east of Frazee along Highway 87 in 1978, where they raised pigs, goats, sheep, and Red Angus beef cattle. Esther was exceptionally skilled in various textile arts; she could spin, weave, knit, crochet, and tat. For eleven years, she operated a successful sewing business that catered to over 200 customers. From mending blue jeans to crafting men's suits and wedding gowns, her work was cherished by many. Despite her passion for sewing and creating quilts, the constant deadlines eventually took their toll. Later in her career, Esther worked at several computerized embroidery studios before taking a home study course in computerized bookkeeping. 

Due to severe allergies that developed over time, she transitioned to bookkeeping for various businesses starting in 1998, with her last position being at Spanky's Stone Hearth in Vergas, MN until her retirement in 2011. Following her retirement, she became deeply interested in natural health care and earned certification as a foot reflexologist. 

Esther is survived by her "adopted" grandchildren A.J. and Lacie Lepisto and their son, Charlie; her brothers Robert and Jim; her sister Betty Lou; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold, who she was married to for over 56 years; her parents; and one brother, John. 

The memorial service for Ester Wilkinson will be held at Furey Funeral Home, 33832 State HWY 87, Frazee, MN 56544, on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1 PM. Memorial visitation will be one hour prior. 

Furey Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, please visit FureyFH.com, or call (218) 334-2461.