Esther V. Wait, 80 of Cloquet died Tuesday, July 17, 2012 in Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth with her loving family by her side. She was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Automba Township to Carl and Aina Johnson. Esther graduated from Cromwell High School. She married Murnice “Mert” Wait on Dec. 11, 1954 in Cloquet. She was a devoted wife of 52 years and a loving mother. Esther was a compassionate caregiver to many of her family and friends. She enjoyed volunteering her time with her husband for Meals on Wheels and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Murnice; sisters, Elma DeLacey and Mae Switzer; and brothers, Harold, Howard, and Fred Johnson.

She is survived by three sons, Michael and Dwayne (Rita) both of Cloquet, and Dwight (Jill) of Duluth; three daughters, Rebecca (Donald) Bartch of Togo; Delores (Mark) Osvold of Saginaw, and Amy (Todd) Crandall of Esko; three brothers, Walter (Joyce) Johnson of Burnsville, Paul Johnson and Ray (Sharon) Johnson both of Kettle River; sister-in-law, Phyllis Johnson of Moose Lake; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services were held on Thursday, July 19, 2012 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet. Inurnment was in Eagle Lake Cemetery, Eagle Township. A time of lunch and fellowship followed in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com