Esther J. Klevdal

Esther Johanessen was born on March 30, 1927 in Bergen Norway to Laura and Georg Johannessen. Esther married Terry Klevdal on March 17, 1951 and they moved to the United States in 1953. After a brief time in Minneapolis, MN, they settled in Longmont. Esther and Terry raised two sons, Glenn and Stein, moving to a home they built in the mountains in 1973.

When Esther first moved to the United States, she knew very little English, but was diligent to learn the language, and in fact, having long conversations with friends and family (both in English and Norwegian) was one of her very favorite past times. Esther enjoyed her “cozy” cabin in the mountains and was always happy when friends stopped by for a visit.

Esther became an American citizen in 1985, and was very proud and grateful to live in this country. She also delighted in her two grandchildren, Jordan and Christian Klevdal, and spent a day each week caring for them before they attended elementary school. In 2001, the entire family took a trip to Norway to celebrate Terry & Esther’s 50th wedding anniversary, and it was very meaningful for her to have her American and Norwegian family spend time together.

What was most important to Esther was her faith in Jesus, and she was involved in several church communities and a variety of Christian women’s groups over the years.

Esther’s husband Terry passed away in 2017, yet with support from a team of wonderful caregivers, she was able to remain in her mountain home until December 30, 2021, and then moved in with her son Stein and daughter-in-law Jennifer until her death in their home surrounded by her loved ones on August 2, 2022.

Esther is survived by her son Glenn and daughter-in-law Porfidia of Flagstaff, Arizona; son Stein and daughter-in-law Jennifer of Niwot, Colorado; granddaughter Jordan of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and grandson Christian of San Diego, California. She also has extended family living in Norway.

A memorial service is planned for 11:30 on Saturday, September 17 at the Ponder chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, with a luncheon to follow the service. All friends and acquaintances of Esther and her family are warmly invited to share in this time of honoring her and sharing a meal together. Memorial contributions may be made to TruCare Hospice, Boulder, CO, or YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.