Pearl Eslinger-2001

Pearl Jane Eslinger was born on Aug. 25, 1910, in Ash Grove, Kan., to James and Rosie (Barnhill) Geering. She departed his life on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001, at her home in Burlington at the age of 91 years. Pearl was married to Willie Harrison Eslinger on April 2, 1930, in Mankato, Kan. They began their life in Kansas and moved to Colorado in 1931. They farmed around the Bethune area. Willie died on April 25, 1961. Pearl continued farming after Willie’s death and in 1981 she moved to Burlington. Pearl enjoyed homemaking and especially loved to cook. She cooked at Burlington Rest Home for 4 ½ years. She enjoyed her grandchildren and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a member of Ladies Aid and the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Willie; three stepchildren – Melvin, Opal, and Wallace; her twin brother Paul; and brother Claude.

She is survived by two sons, Wesley and wife Evelyn of Burlington, and Virgil and wife Marie of Bethune; four daughters – Viva Witzel of Perry, Kan.; Ruby and husband Harry Hundertmark of Garden City, Kan., Annabel Weehunt of Goodland, Kan., and Goldie Weber of Garden City, Kan.; one step-daughter, Velma and husband Clifford Sweet of Flagler; 21 grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 23 step-great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-great- grandchildren.

Funeral services were Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001, at 11 a.m. at Love Funeral Home in Burlington with Pastor Frank McNeil officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery, Burlington. A memorial fund has been established in her memory and may be left at The First National Bank of Stratton.

Soloist Denis Stahlecker, accompanied by Velda Adolf, sang “We Are Going Down the Valley,” “Nearer My God to Thee,” “In the Garden,” and “How Great Thou Art.” Casket bearers were Ted Foth, Rob Reynolds, Darrin Weber, Dennis Gavin, Dennis Huebner, Mark Richmeier, Dave Zemp, Dalwon Schaal and Michael Garcia. Arrangements were handled by Love Funeral Home of Burlington.