Esther Mittet

Esther “Rusty” Mittet, age 86, of Thief River Falls, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Bethany Homes in Fargo, ND. Esther Sundahl was born September 22, 1926, in Bemidji, MN, the daughter of John and Ann (Landsverk) Sundahl. Growing up, she attended country school and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1945. Following graduation, Esther worked for the Department of Defense. She then moved to Los Angeles and lived with her sisters on Hollywood and Vine for a year. Rusty came home to Bemidji for a visit, fully intending to return to California, however, her plans changed when she met Robert “Bob” Mittet, a World War II veteran. They were married in Bemidji on February 2, 1951. They made their home in Bemidji and Rusty worked at the Army Recruitment Center and also for Wilsons Department Store. Bob’s job relocated them to the community of Mahnomen, where they began and raised their own family. Rusty was employed as a secretary at the Mahnomen Public School, retiring in 1990 after 21 years of dedicated service. Bob died in 2000 and Rusty remained in Mahnomen. She worked for her son as a receptionist for five years at Mittet Chiropractic. In 2006, Rusty moved to Thief River Falls to be closer to her daughter. Over the years, Rusty enjoyed working alongside Bob in several remodeling projects. She was a wonderful baker, making awesome lefse, sweet rolls and flat bread. Rusty also enjoyed camping, golfing and loved spending time in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Rusty is survived by two daughters, Deb (John) Mittet, Fargo, ND, and Marcia (Duane) Kjono, Thief River Falls, MN; three sons: Robert (Liz) Mittet, Maplewood, MN, Doug (Cindy) Mittet, Fargo, and Dave, Lake Park, MN; eleven grandchildren: Bobby(Sarah) Mittet, Marissa Mittet, Laura (Devon) Lesoine, Beth, Alicia, Justin, Jordan, and Jennifer Mittet, Dane (Chelsey) Kjono, Drew and Trey Kjono; one great-grandson, Gavin Lesoine; one brother, Art (Kathy) Sundahl, Bemidji; one sister-in-law, June Sundahl, Minneapolis. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter, Linda; brother, Alex Sundahl; and three sisters: Randi Evans, Sunny Greenman and Evie Senecal. Funeral Services were held Friday, June 7, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen with visitation from 5-7 p.m. Friday evening.

Esther Mittet

September 22, 1926 - June 1, 2013