Dorothy Essington

DOROTHY M. 'DODE' ESSINGTON, 89 ROCKFORD - Dorothy M. "Dode" Gustafson Essington, 89, of Rockford died at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Wesley Willows Health Center. Born Dec. 21, 1922, in Rockford, daughter of Samuel and Emma (Zitzke) Glomp. Graduate of Rockford High School's last class in 1940. Attended Rockford College and Valparaiso University, studying music. She married Raymond Essington in 1989; he died March 31, 2006. Member of Second Congregational United Church of Christ, where she formerly served as a deaconess. Also member of Forest Hills Country Club and the Junior Women's League. She is survived by sons, Tim (Sherry) Gustafson of Sycamore, Tom (Rita) Gustafson of Sun City, Ariz., Mark (Maria) Gustafson and Jim (Andrea) Gustafson, all of Rockford, and Peter (Cindi) Gustafson of Belvidere; stepchildren, Lynn (Carl) Scandroli of Rockford, Susan (Eric) Ekstrom of Wheaton, Scot (Marilyn) Essington of Albuquerque, N.M., and James (Chris) Essington of Winnebago; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by first husband, Russell Gustafson, to whom she was married from 1942 until his death in 1984; brother, Fred Glomp; and sister, Vivian Williams. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., with the Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg officiating. Private family graveside service in Scandinavian Cemetery. Family prefers memorials to Wesley Willows, 4141 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford IL 61103. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.