Arthur Eslinger joyfully met the angels on Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison. His funeral will be Tuesday at 1:30 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison with burial to follow at the Garrison City Cemetery.

Visitation will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 1 to 7 on Monday, August 19th.

Art was born February 23, 1918 the 14th of 15 children to Emmanuel and Elizabeth (Schwartz) Eslinger on the family farm near Coleharbor. He went to country school and with his 6th grade degree became a doctor, veterinarian, mechanic, plumber, etc. who spent his whole life living in the Coleharbor area on the family farm.

As a young man, Art worked at the NYA Coal Mine near Underwood. He also helped build what is now the Stoney End Supper Club outside of Garrison. However, Art spent the majority of his life farming and it was during a visit to what is now the FSA Office that he met his future wife, Clarise Aas. Art and Clarise were married November 12, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church near Coleharbor. They began their life together on Art's family farmstead where they raised grains, livestock, chickens, and most importantly their children, Gaylen, Del, Russell, Wayne, Arlo, Clair, Calvin, and Brian.

There was no such thing as an auction sale or salvage project that Art didn't love. "One man's junk is another man's treasure" fit Art perfectly. Art also loved to dance, visit and play whist, although being his partner could be interesting to say the least! He never passed up an opportunity to talk to a beautiful woman whether she was 9 or 99. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with the many wonderful people at The Meadows who were like extended family to him.

He will be missed by his children, Gaylen and Kathy, Del and Kelley, Wayne, Arlo and Sandy, Clair, Calvin and Ronda, #9, and daughter-in-law Diana Eslinger. His grandchildren, Nicholas, Anastasia, Deleene, Tonya, Russell, Stacy, Steven, Kendra, Michael, Amber, Tara, Alan, Katie, Chad, Kelly, Ryan, Zac, Leah, Britteny, and Corey; as well as numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Sam and special friend Doris, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be met in heaven by his wife Clarise, their sons Russell and Brian, his parents and his siblings, Ed, Ray, Alfred, John, Robert, Dan, Albert, Elsie, Ann, Emilia, Ida, Hulda, and Olga.