Gerald Wilbur Esslinger

Gerald Wilbur, son of William and Mertle (Huss) Esslinger, was born November 24, 1926 on the home place near Bayard, Iowa. He grew up in the area and graduated from Bayard High School. After completing his education, Gerald worked on the farm for his father. On May 16, 1948 Gerald was united in marriage with Dorothy Rosa Rice in Greene County. They raised one child Randy and Dorothy's daughter Diana while continuing to live around Bayard. During this time, Gerald entered into the trucking business and in 1972 they moved back to the farm full time. Gerald enjoyed going to farm sales and being with his family. Later on he operated Esslinger Sales and Service with his son Randy. They restored antique tractors and sold tractors and belly mowers. Dorothy died in 2005 and Gerald continued to live on the farm until 2010 when he decided it was time to move into town. He died unexpectedly on Monday, May 28, 2012 at Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center. He was 85 years, 6 months and 4 days of age. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife and sister Berdine Patrick. Gerald is survived by his son Randy Esslinger of Bayard and Dorothy's daughter Diana Groth (Bob) of Perry and her three sons Derek Hoyle, Jason Hoyle and Steven Hoyle and her 11 grandchildren; as well as. other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the Bayard Public Library or Bayard Ambulance Service.