Esther Irene Olsen

Esther Irene Pietila was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on May 3, 1928. She was the middle child of William and Emily Pietila, with an older sister Eleanor and younger brother Bill. Esther attended Hibbing High School and was known as an outstanding student and accomplished musician. She went on to attend Hibbing Junior College where she met her future husband, Jim Olsen on his return from World War II.

Esther and Jim had six children: Kerry, Janine, Mark, David, Karen, and Danny. Esther was the glue that supported and kept her family together through moves to Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Minnetonka in Minnesota, and then on to McAllen and Mission in Texas (with a long-time summer home in Silver Bay in Minnesota) and her final home in San Antonio.

Esther loved music of all kinds, especially classical. She was an excellent pianist, played the organ for years at her church and also directed and played the bells at church. She was also a first violinist in the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Esther loved to travel with her husband Jim and family, exploring the United States, Europe, and especially her beloved northern Minnesota. Life long learning was always evident, as she was a constant reader of all subjects and could best her kids in any crossword puzzle. She loved the daily challenges of a variety of word games and loved game shows and trivia challenges. Completing a large jigsaw puzzle was a regular activity. In her later years, she loved playing card games with family and continued to learn new activities, moving from bridge to blackjack to Texas Hold’em poker.

Most of all, Esther was very proud of her children and their spouses. She loved spending time with them, her 12 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She remained the best role model for her family and exemplified quiet love and, when needed, Finnish “sisu.”

Esther is survived by her children, Kerry (Carole) of Rochester Minnesota, Janine (Jim) of Katy Texas, Mark (Annie) of Driftwood Texas, David (Kathy) of San Antonio Texas, and Karen of Schertz Texas, as well as numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister, husband and her son, Danny.

The family will have a private Celebration of Life for our amazing matriarch. Memorials are preferred to the San Antonio Philharmonic and the National Museum of the Pacific War.