Esther V. Wiger

Esther Viola Wiger was born on May 11, 1921 in Cummings North Dakota to Peder and Ellen Holland. She was the youngest of seven children - 20 years spanning between her and her oldest sibling. Her father Peder was a minister, and they grew up on a farm where they all learned the value of hard work. Esther often told the story that being the youngest, she would have to be the lookout when their folks would go to town and her brothers and sisters wanted to play cards (which was strictly forbidden). She always smiled when talking about her childhood. When she became a teenager, she went to work at a dairy farm cooking for 20 - 25 employees. It was there that she met Gordon Wiger and instantly felt a connection. She was informally pledged to the son of a family friend, so her relationship with Gordon had to be hidden and discreet. However, three weeks after her 18th birthday, she eloped with Gordon, following her heart! They settled in Hillsboro North Dakota and had two children there - Patty and Ronald. Winters were quite harsh in North Dakota with an abundance of snow and frigid temperatures, and with World War II underway, there was a promise of work and housing out West so they decided to pick up and move to Vancouver, Washington. She became pregnant during this time and gave birth to their third child, Roger. They eventually moved into a home in the Minihaha neighborhood where they raised their family. After the war was over, Gordon purchased a building just around the corner from where they lived and made it into auto repair/service station where he worked until he retired. Esther never had a steady job outside of the home, but she was an avid seamstress and sewed clothes for friends and family members. In all of her 100 years, Esther never drove a car. She walked everywhere which kept her healthy and probably contributed to her long life. They joined Trinity Lutheran Church and were active members there all their lives. She was quite involved in church and participated in the "Trips for Fun" and "Happy Lunch Bunch". Gordon and Esther were blissfully married 62 years before his death in 2001. Esther was Norwegian through and through. Often using little quips, and always baking the best traditional treats. Every Christmas we had lefse on the table, and krumkake for dessert. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, her 3 children, Patty, Ronald and Roger and grandson, Troy. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Janet Wiger, 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren! In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you would make a donation in the name of Esther Wiger to the Ray Hickey Hospice House, 2112 NE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 98661 or Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 W 39th St., Vancouver, WA 98660.

Esther V. Wiger

May 11, 1921 - January 14, 2022