Gary Esslinger

1942 - 2026

Gary Esslinger

Gary G. Esslinger, 83, of Viola, Ill., passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island Hospital.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Dennison Funeral Home in Viola. Funeral Services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Dennison Funeral Home. Interment will be at Viola Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Viola Fire Department or the Viola Public Library District.

Gary Esslinger, born to the late Charles (Shorty) and the late Lois (Potter) Esslinger, August 6, 1942, was born at home in New Boston. He was one of four children, Beverly Robinson, Larry Esslinger, and Karen King.

Gary is a graduate of Winola High School, Viola, June 1960. Gary worked for his father's Sunoco (formerly DX) gas station, Viola, after graduation until 1961. He then drove a truck for Mack and Strachan until 1963, when he was employed for Lohse Automotive, Rock Island. In 1969, Gary became employed for Eagle Foods, Milan, but due to chronic illness, left to become employed by John Deere Planter Works, Moline. In April 1969, Gary was transferred to John Deere Parts Depot, East Moline, remaining there until the Deere Parts Distribution, Milan, opened in September 13, 1975, and remained there until April 28, 2001.

After retirement, Gary enjoyed working part-time for McMeekan's Excavating, Viola, until his seven surgeries in 2013-14. Gary always voiced that one of the best jobs he ever had was working with Bill McMeekan.

Gary married Sharon McClure on June 2, 1963. They resided in Viola during their entire married life. They had three daughters, Kimberly Lynn (Steve) Kness, New Windsor, Anji Marie Wilson, Matherville, and Mindi Leigh (Robert) Schultz, Viola. They have eight grandchildren, Patrick (Hollie) Kness, Viola, Carlee Kness, Moline, James Schultz, Lutz, Fla., Charles (Kaela) Schultz, Sherrard, Christopher Schultz, Viola, Abbi Wilson, Matherville, Nicole Wilson, Matherville, and Jarrin McNall, New Windsor.

His sister, Karen King, resides in rural Aledo.

They have six great-grandchildren, Braydin McNall, Madilynn and Olivia Kness, Brantley and Harvey Schultz.

Due to the loss of his left hip, Gary retired from the Viola Fire Department after 51 years of service. His father also served the Viola Fire Department, along with his son-in-law, Bob Schultz, and his grandson, Christopher Schultz.

Gary served as Greene Township President of Trustees after his retirement from the Viola Department in 2013. While on the department, Gary served as captain for many years. Gary worked tirelessly during the construction of the Viola Fire Department.

Gary was an avid Cardinal and Bears fan. When the Cubbies won the World Series against the Cardinals in 2013, Gary told his coffee mates that were Cub Fans, "I will tell you once, so listen the first time, and I'll never again say, "Congratulations." He took the defeat of his beloved Cardinals very hard.

Gary loved baseball where he coached hardball in Viola for approximately 10 years, in addition to girls' softball approximately four years.

In Gary's mind, there was no other game, but football. Standing in the winter's cold watching a football game was not an uncommon site to his friends. Gary served as assistant football coach for Sherrard, 1993-97.

Gary was a charter member of the Viola Jaycee and was one of the organizers of the Winola Athletic Association, of which he served as president for many years, and he was very instrumental in the construction of the asphalt track, of which his youngest daughter, Mindi, ran. Gary also played fast pitch softball for Red's Texaco.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing made him happier than attending all of the events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Robinson, brother Larry Esslinger, and brother-in-law, Kenneth King.

Pallbearers include grandsons, Patrick Kness, James, Charles, and Christopher Schultz, Robert Schultz, Steve Kness, and Michael Wilson. Honorary Pallbearers are Jarrin and Braydin McNall.

Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.