Erwin VanEssen

"Mr. Van" was my high school art teacher at McCurdy School in Espanola. I always enjoyed going to his classes and learning the techniques of painting, pottery, and weaving. He had many friends in and around the community who had common artistic talents and on occasion would volunteer in our class. He was a character and truly loved working with his students. One of his favorite things was to give us nicknames. Mine was the "Donut Dutchess" because I held an after school job at a local bakery....

Erwin and I go back to the class of 1955 at Parker, SD. I started out as a pre-theological student, but Erwin stayed with it. Such great conversations we had in recent years.
Sharing appreciation for those who cared for him and sympathy with all those who loved him.

Roger Tanquist