Obituary
Guest Book
Jolene Ann Eslinger, a woman whose zest for life was as boundless as the horizons she so loved to explore, passed peacefully on March 16, 2026, just shy of her 72nd birthday. Born on March 18, 1954, in the serene town of Doland, South Dakota, Jolene grew into a beacon of warmth and adventure, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cherished memories for all who knew her.
From an early age, Jolene possessed an insatiable wanderlust that guided the course of her life. She delighted in the open road, her spirit thriving as she traveled extensively in her beloved RV and motor homes, discovering new landscapes and treasures with each journey. Her passion for travel found full expression in the many cruises she embarked upon, where the vastness of the oceans mirrored her own expansive love for adventure. Even at home, Jolene found solace and joy in her garden's quiet embrace and on the shimmering waters of the lake where she relished boat rides that offered peaceful reprieves and moments of connection with nature.
Jolene's heart was as generous and nurturing as the gardens she tended. She found deep fulfillment in family, surrounded by the love of her devoted husband, Jerome Clarence Eslinger; her son, Greg Eslinger; and her daughter, Tonya Mullins. Her legacy is further carried on through five beloved grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each a testament to the enduring bonds and the precious moments she cultivated throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe H. Gross and Rebecca Wipf, whose spirits live on in the kindness and strength Jolene embodied.
In celebrating Jolene Ann Eslinger's life, we honor a remarkable woman whose love for exploration was matched only by the depth of her affection for her family and the simple pleasures of life. Her journeys, both literal and metaphorical, have left indelible marks on the hearts of those fortunate enough to have shared in her wonderful, vibrant existence.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more