1920
Donald
2008
Donald Esterling
July 12, 1920 — July 24, 2008
Donald Clare Esterling was born July 12, 1920 in Fairfax, South Dakota the only child of August and Alice (Fitzgerald) Esterling. His family moved to Hancock, Minnesota in 1927 where Don grew up, attended school, and graduated in 1938.
Don enjoyed the normal boyhood activities: tennis, basketball, and the excitement of growing up in Hancock. Don’s childhood home was located on the same block as his future wife Josephine (Josie) Schmidgall. Don served as a medic in the U.S. Army Military Service from 1942 until 1945 and saw active duty during World War II in 1945. Upon completing his military duties, Don returned to Hancock and worked at Hancock Creamery. On May 1, 1947 Don was united in marriage to Josie Schmidgall. Following their marriage, Don and Josie lived in Plainview, Springfield, Morgan, Red Lake Falls, Clarkfield and finally settled in Minnetonka, MN with their five children. It was Minnetonka where their children all graduated from high school. Don was employed by Minnetonka School District the last 20 years of his employment. After retiring, Don and Josie lived in Osakis, Glenwood and Hancock, before settling in Morris, MN. They also enjoyed a number of retirement years “wintering” in Phoenix, Arizona. The last four months of his life, Don appreciated being a resident of the West Wind Village nursing home in Morris.
Don was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Morris. Don treasured spending time with family and friends and loved visiting with everyone. Don also enjoyed fishing, assisting Josie’s gardening, canning, volunteering at Salvation Army and Glenwood Good Samaritan Center, and entertaining company. Don was always delighted to see his grandchildren and was blessed with his first great grandchild this year. Don had a strong faith in God and very much appreciated his church family.
Don died on July 24, 2008 at the West Wind Village nursing home having reached the age of 88 years.
Don is survived by his wife: Josie Esterling of Morris, MN; two sons: Bruce (Judy) Esterling of Cedar, MN and Tim (Jeanne) Esterling of Morris, MN; three daughters: Donna (Doug) Ross of Houston, Texas, Susan Esterling of Palm Springs, California, and Nancy Tuggle of Palm Springs California; six grandchildren: Zachary (Jessi) Esterling, Christopher (Amanda) Esterling, Brittany Esterling, Alyssa Tuggle, Aaron Esterling, and Matthew Tuggle; one great grandchild: Cooper Esterling; sisters-in-law: Kathryn Olson, Linda Yackley, Nola (Mel) Schrock, Norene (Carl) Moser, Barb (Vernard) Brown, Marilyn (Ed) Lanz, Marion Schmidgall, Millie Schmidgall, and Verona Schmidgall; brothers-in-law: Ken (Mary Jo) Schmidgall, and Floyd Schmidgall, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers for the service are: Zachary Esterling, Christopher Esterling, Aaron Esterling, Matthew Tuggle, Daniel Schmidgall, Thomas Schmidgall and Keith Schmidgall. Honorary pallbearers are: Brittany Esterling, Alyssa Tuggle, Jessi Esterling, Amanda Esterling, and Cooper Esterling. The Apostolic Christian Church Choir will provide special music for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
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