Elsie Esterling

Elsie Esterling left us for her heavenly home on December 24, 2017. Her last days were spent at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Viborg, SD. Elsie was born on February 17, 1927 to Emmanuel and Emma (Klima-Reich) Dormaier in Menno, SD. Being the youngest of six children and growing up during a difficult time served her well through life and she never forgot the lessons her strong Christian upbringing taught her. After completing her high school education and graduating from Menno High School she started out on another adventure and moved to Gregory to begin her career as a bookkeeper for the Farmers Union CO-OP. While working at the CO-OP she met and married Don (Este) Esterling on May 18, 1951 and to this union Greg and Donna were born. In 1955 she began working for Tiltons and continued there for many years until she started working in Winner at the Ford Garage. Elsie thoroughly enjoyed her work and did not retire until she was in her 70s. Elsie loved people and especially her family. You could see her trekking up the Buttes with several of her grandkids following close behind or chasing them around the house. The twinkle in her eye and her mischievous sense of humor was evident every time you visited with her. She never got tired of cooking whatever anyone wanted to eat or of sitting and reading stories to all of them. As the great grandkids started to come her love of all of them blossomed even more. She loved her bowling nights and enjoyed playing cards. Fondly remembered are those four hour Phase 10 games and she always won! Her willingness to accept everyone for what they were and being completely non judgmental were two of her greatest assets and something we all loved about her. Her acceptance and unconditional love set an example for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to emulate. The other major part of her life was her faith and love of God and the church. Elsie was proceeded in death by her husband Este, daughter Donna, her parents, four brothers, one sister and many close relatives. She is survived by her son Greg (Vonnie) of Glenwood, IA.; grandchildren Carli Salas, Council Bluffs, IA; Melissa (Damien) Townsend, Glenwood, IA; Colby (Annie) Esterling, Council Bluffs, IA; Brandt (Amanda) Esterling, Elkhorn, NE.; Blair (Nathan) Sedlacek, Dallas, SD; great grandchildren: Riley Townsend, Kaylee Townsend, Delaney Esterling, Avery Esterling, Burke Esterling, Kennley Sedlacek, Reed Sedlacek, Zane Sedlacek, Charley Purvis Esterling and Ellie Elsie Sedlacek; son-in-law Bob Determan of Dallas; her sister-in-law, Rosie Dormaier of Sioux Falls and many niece and nephews. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Funeral services for Elsie Esterling, 90, were held Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. A visitation was held Tuesday evening at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home. Music was provided by DeNalda Fortuna, orgainist, and Jeanie Kotrba, pianist. Congregational songs were "Amazing Grace," "A Closer Walk with Thee," and "He Touched Me." Soloist Geoff Smith sang "In the Garden." Registration and Flower Attendants were Elsie's granddaughters Carli Salas, Melissa Townsend, and Blair Sedlacek. Casket Bearers were Colby Esterling, Brandt Esterling, Damien Townsend, Nathan Sedlacek, and Riley Townsend. Burial was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Gregory, SD. .