Obituary of Virgil Eslinger

Virgil Loyd Eslinger was born on April 16, 1945, to Pearl (Geering) and Willie Eslinger, north of Bethune at the family farm. He was raised on that farm and attended Bethune School, where he graduated in 1960. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and was based in Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was honorably discharged after the death of his Father and returned to the family farm to help his Mother, where he farmed for twenty years. On June 21st, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Schaal. Together they farmed and began their journey on the Schaal homestead north of Bethune. Virgil partnered with his Mother-in-law Martha in raising cattle and farming. With Marie by his side, they enjoyed the country life and in 1965, began their family. To this union, four children were born, Carla, Jimmy, Jason and Connie. He saw to it that his children were taught the meaning of hard work and instilled in them solid morals. Although Virgil and Marie raised four children, there were many more that called them Mom and Dad. Virgil loved kids and never passed up an opportunity to tease them. Many nieces and nephews hold treasured memories of having fun with Uncle Virgil. He enjoyed teaching kids and always had the patience to do so. He was very active in the 4-H program and served several years as a main leader, as well as a superintendent at the County Fair. He was honored for his 25 years of service. Although he called himself a farmer, his true passion in life was caring for his cattle and attending auctions. He worked many hard and long days, but was never too busy to visit with a neighbor, sharing his ideas about crops, gardening and building things. He was a very creative man and enjoyed welding unique sculptures of animals and could make something out of nothing. Often times if he needed a tool or a piece of equipment, he would invent one. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone and never knew a stranger. Caring for people came natural to Virgil, as he was known to open his home to many in their time of need. His greatest joy in life came when his Grandchildren were born. Whether it was bouncing the babies on his knee, teaching them how to ride a bike or build a fence, he loved every second of being a Grandpa. Spending time on the farm with them and attending family gatherings, he saw to it that they will have memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. His sense of humor was endless and his Grandchildren provided him many good laughs. His life was well lived – his way. He left this world to be with his Lord on June 4, 2010, on his farm north of Bethune. Preceding him in death was his father Willie Eslinger; mother Pearl Eslinger; brothers Melvin and Wallace Eslinger; sisters Opal Schaal and Velma Sweet. He leaves to morn his wife Marie of 46 years; daughter Carla and husband Ted Foth of Burlington, CO; sons Jimmy Eslinger of Goodland, Ks; Jason and wife Aron, of Sandy, OR; daughter Connie and husband Rob Reynolds of Billings, MT. Grandchildren: Andy, Chelsey and Lindsey Foth; Danielle, Hannah, Walker, Jakob, Jenna, Alison and Alex Eslinger. Brother Wesley and wife Evelyn Eslinger of Burlington, CO; Sisters Viva Witzel of Perry, Ks; Ruby and husband Harry Hundertmark of Garden City, Ks., Annabell Weehunt of Twin Falls, ID and Goldie Weber of Garden City, KS. And brother-in-laws Carl Schaal and wife Pamela of Longmont, CO, Darrell Witzel of Colby, Ks. and Clifford Sweet of Flagler, CO. and a very special Aunt by marriage, Esther Schlichenmayer. As well as many nieces, nephews, good friends and neighbors.