Esther Elizabeth Meidinger, 99 of Ellendale, ND was born October 25, 1910, in rural Zeeland, McIntosh County, ND. She was the daughter of Fred and Elizabeth (Merkel) Brandner. On February 1, 1933, Esther married Rueben J. Meidinger in Zeeland. They farmed in the Zeeland and Wheatland, ND areas and in 1949 they purchased their farm southwest of Ellendale. In 1978 they moved into Ellendale. In 1979 Rueben died and Esther continued living in Ellendale. Esther died October 25, 2009, at Oakes Community Hospital, Oakes, ND. Esther was active in Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale and church circle, Sunshine Homemakers Club, Senior Citizens Center and other organizations. She also enjoyed quilting, gardening, family, neighborhood gatherings and card parties. Suvivors include three daughters: Loretta & Loren Schulz, Edgeley, ND; Madella & Harold Scheffert, Guelph, ND; Betty Martin, Ellendale, ND; two sons: Earl Meidinger, Ellendale, ND and Don & Cyd Meidinger, Ellendale, ND; one sister: Freida Grace, Bismarck, ND; one daughter-in-law: Judy (Meidinger) Vasvick, Ellendale, ND; 19 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 14 siblings, one son Howard and one daughter: Delyne one grandson: Brad Meidinger and two sons-in-law: Dale Martin and Les Heinrich. Funeral: 10am Saturday, October 31 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Tyson Labuhn officiating. Visitation: 2-8:30pm Friday, October 30 with a prayer service at 7:30pm at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Burial: Ellendale City Cemetery. The family has requested a closed casket service. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.