Esther O'Toole-Pessler

Esther O'Toole Pessler, age 92, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2016, at Wedgwood Manor nursing home in Cavalier, North Dakota.
She was born to T.E. and Elida (Bundlie) O'Toole December 1, 1923, in Crystal, North Dakota.
She was graduated from Crystal High School, and attended the Minneapolis College of Music, earning her Master's Degree.
Music was the center of Esther's life, whether performing with her concert quality soprano singing voice, or teaching others the joy of music appreciation.
She traveled and performed nationally with the renown Robert Shaw Chorale, and was a featured soloist with many other recognized organizations such as the Billings Symphony Orchestra and the "Sweet Adelines."
Esther moved west in the mid 1950's to teach in Big Timber and Powell, Montana. There she met Heinz Pessler, and the two married September 27, 1958.
In the mid 1960's, she moved back to North Dakota, to continue teaching both privately, and most notably for more than two decades in the Grafton, North Dakota school system. She retired to Grand Forks, North Dakota, but began a new career as a real estate agent. All the while, she still sang with, and served as Development Director for, the Grand Forks Master Chorale.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Maria Pessler, and husband Dennis Casey of Casper, Wyoming; and son Anthony Pessler and wife Melissa Morrison, of Phoenix, Arizona; brothers, Bill (Carol) O'Toole, Grand Forks, ND and Dick (Keitha) O'Toole, Crystal, ND. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and eight siblings.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Crystal, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Interment will be held in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Crystal, ND.