Mary Esslinger

Mary Elizabeth Esslinger, 71, of Creston, formerly of Afton, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Greater Regional Medical Center, Creston, Iowa. Memorial Services will be 3:30 P.M., Friday, October 31 at Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St., Creston. Father Kenneth Halbur, Jr., St. Edwards Catholic Church, will officiate. There will be no public viewing. Memorials may be directed to Creston Animal Rescue Effort. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Mary Esslinger, the daughter of Otto Lawrence and Elizabeth Florence (Rieder) Endris, was born on May 18, 1943 in Thomasville, Illinois. Mary graduated from high school in Illinois and on November 22, 1962, she married Tracy Leo Esslinger. They later divorced. Mary worked as a Certified Nurse Aide at the Afton Care Center for nearly fifteen years. She retired from C.A.R.E., a residential care facility in Afton, nine years ago at the age of sixty-two. Mary was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Afton and enjoyed spending time with her family.
Left to cherish Mary’s memory are her children: Gloria (Rick) Harman, Afton; Mike Esslinger, Creston; David (Lori) Esslinger, Petersburg, IL; Tony Esslinger, Creston; and Sharon (Rob) Johnston, Creston; her sister-in-law: Lois Endris of California; Eight grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Lynch, West Des Moines, IA; Erin (R.J.) Walsh, Winterset, IA; Justin Woolsey, Petersburg, IL; Andrew Esslinger, Petersburg, IL; Nicholas Esslinger, Petersburg, IL; Amayi Belew, Corning, IA; Jessica McLaughlin, Riverton, IL; and Cory Esslinger, Springfield, IL; One great-grandchild: Griffin Lynch; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her ex-husband, Tracy; two brothers: Larry Endris and Joseph Endris; three sisters: Loretta Waggoner, Florence Gleeson, and Millie Hayes; and two nephews: Frank Endris and John Gleeson.