VERNON SAMUEL "VERN" ESZLINGER

Eszlinger, Vernon Samuel "Vern", age 75, passed away suddenly October 7, 2010 from complications following gastrointestinal surgery. Born June 20, 1935 in Danzig, ND to Samuel and Esther Weber Eszlinger. Graduate from Ashley, ND H. S. and Northern SU, Aberdeen, SD. In 1967 he became the Regional Sales Manager with CBS Musical Instruments (Fender, Rogers, Rhodes Division), was promoted to National and International Marketing Director. He won top honors in sales and international marketing for many years and was awarded top prizes. Following his employment with CBS he continued consulting in music for Leo Fender and purchased a small chain of donut shops, Krispy Kreme (not related to the national chain). He owned a musical instrument business "This is Music" in Fullerton, CA. Until his passing he was a consultant for Personal Dynamic Diversified Business Services. Vernon married Shirley Farness Eszlinger, June 2, 1957 who survives him and their four children, Kathryn (Gary) Minnich, Kevin, Kerry (Margaret) and Kris (Jennifer Barry). This union ended in divorce. He married Mary Kaiser in 1985. Survived by wife, Mary; one sister, Julia (Russ) Jensen; two step-children, Connie (Craig) Allred, Ernie (Kathie) Kaiser; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many ND relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents. Five years ago he had open heart surgery. He faced many healing challenges. Although difficult for him, he volunteered his time to helping others. He regularly went to gym class and motivated others to continue their rehab even though it was difficult. Fullerton Community Ed. Center asked and he volunteered time to speak at, Healthy Behavioral Life's Maintenance Group, a support group motivating others who were facing similar recovery challenges. Classmates honoring him at the ceremony in Orange spoke sadly of how much they were going to miss him; one considered Vern his mentor, many said how much he helped them on an ongoing basis. They were quite stricken over his loss. He continued with volunteer activities. As a life long learner, took Spanish classes until his recent hospitalization. He will be greatly missed by "Mitzy", his dog; family and many friends. He was always mentoring, listening and helping others. He had a keen sense of humor; especially enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren. His motto: "Once a Dad always a Dad". A special Thank You to Dr. S. Wilson, Dr. J. Sherman, Dr. J. Ostriker and ALL the staff at St. Jude's Medical Center Fullerton, CA. for their incredible commitment, devotion and constant attention in caring for him; and his children, especially Kerry, who covered him 24/7. A memorial service was held on Oct. 13, 2010, at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Orange CA. Memorial service and burial in Ashley, ND in 2011.