Esther Millicent Dietrich

ESTHER MILLICENT (SWENSON) DIETRICH, age 94, of Waseca passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Mankato.

Born on August 31, 1929 in Waseca, Esther was the daughter of Carl Oscar and Hilda (Larson) Swenson. She grew up on a farm southeast of Otisco. Following her mother’s passing at a young age, she was raised by her father, brothers, and sister. While growing up Esther attended the Vista Covenant Church in rural New Richland. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1947. Esther spent the majority of her career working for Birdseye. She retired after 22 years. She was united in marriage to George Dietrich on August 7, 1949 at Vista Covenant Church in rural New Richland. Following her marriage, she became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca.

Esther enjoyed traveling. Most of her summers would be spent gardening and going on bus tours with her friend Donna. She loved bowling and playing cards. She would enjoy playing bridge, and especially loved playing Pfeffer with her children and grandchildren. She spent most of her mornings enjoying breakfast at Jonnie Beans with her friends. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Cotta Guild.

Esther is survived by her children, Steven (Marcia) Dietrich of Sioux Falls, SD, Lee Ann (Vincent) Byron of Cave Creek, AZ; grandchildren, Sara Byron, Kristen (Yao Wong) Dietrich, Elizabeth (Chuck) Watkins, Jeff Dietrich, Kathryn Byron, Jon Dietrich, Andrew (Corrie) Byron; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Rolland (Carol) Swenson of Waseca; sister-in-law, Winnifred Swenson of Waseca; special cousins, Marjorie Gore, Virginnia Swenson; many close friends; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Dietrich; parents, Carl Oscar and Hilda Swenson; siblings, Mildred, Arthur, Evelyn, Raymond, Russell, Kenneth, Frances, Emmeth, Marvin and Marilyn.

Visitation for Esther will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Funeral service for Esther will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Michael Grannis officiating. Interment will be at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

Esther’s family would like to offer a special thank you to the Mankato Mayo Clinic Health Center nurses and staff for their compassion and care.