Esther Minnie Witt (Fritz), born May 12, 1932, passed away on July 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Durwood, lovingly known as Dury, who was born on October 6, 1927, and passed away on December 27, 2020.

Esther and Dury were married on July 29, 1951, and shared nearly 70 wonderful years together. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, commitment, and lasting love.

Together, Esther and Dury built a family of six children: Robin and her husband, Randy; Alan and his wife, Cassie; Kimberly; Troy and his wife, Barb; and Heidi and her husband, Mark. Esther was preceded in death by her son Timothy, who passed away on February 6, 2001.

Esther's love continued through her grandchildren, Russell, Richard, Jack, Joshua, Amanda, Jasmine, and Cory; and her great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Aryanne, Rose, Azerith, and Zelda. Her family was the center of her world, and she loved each of them deeply.

Esther was born in Greenfield, Minnesota and grew up in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, where she was raised by Adolph and Emma. She often remembered those early years, including the family's Jack Russell Terrier, Teddie. At just 16 years old, Esther left Buffalo Lake and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she began working as a waitress at Green's. Those early years were not easy, and Esther worked hard to support herself, sometimes making a meal from half a can of soup and a few crackers.

It was at Green's that Esther first met Durwood, a beat patrol officer who became a regular customer. At first, Esther was not impressed with him at all. But one evening after work, everything changed. Esther realized she was being followed by a man who approached her with a knife. She managed to get away and soon found Officer Durwood, walking his rounds. After she told him what had happened, Durwood immediately gave chase, following the man until he disappeared. He returned to Esther and told her he believed she could safely continue walking home. That frightening moment became part of the beginning of their love story.

Esther and Durwood were married on July 29, 1951, beginning a life together filled with family, faith, laughter, hard work, and love.

Esther later worked at Paradise Bakery in Minneapolis, where she learned everything she could about baking and the proper way to handle food. She carried that knowledge into her own kitchen, where she became known for her homemade bread, rolls, pies, cakes, and beautifully decorated desserts. She began by baking bread and rolls for church, and over time her talent grew into a cake baking and decorating business from her home.

Esther had a true creative gift. She loved color, the changing seasons, holidays, traditions, and the joy that came from making ordinary days feel special. She brought beauty and excitement to everything she made. Whether she was decorating a cake, baking rolls, preparing a holiday meal, or making pies for the family, Esther poured love into her work. During November and December, it was not unusual for her to bake up to 28 pies for her family. To Esther, food was more than something served at the table. It was one of the ways she showed love. Her home was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, birthdays and holidays were celebrated, and memories were made.

Esther was a loving and protective wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As a mother of six, she had a way of knowing what everyone was doing, and some would say she had eyes in the back of her head. Her love was watchful, strong, generous, and steady.  Above all, Esther cherished her family. She treasured the times when everyone was together, especially holidays and birthdays. She made people feel cared for, remembered, and loved.

Esther leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, creativity, hard work, and deep love. Her life was a gift to those who knew her, and her memory will live on in the stories shared around the table, the recipes passed down, the holidays celebrated, and the hearts of the family she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held at White Funeral Home (14560 Pennock Avenue, Apple Valley) on Wednesday, July 22 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Interment follows the Service at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Cemetery at 2600 19th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.  Family and friends are invited to gather for a Luncheon following the Interment at 10928 Radisson Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337.

condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com