Donald Leo Essick

Donald Leo Essick, the son of Leo and Bertha Allee Essick was born November 14, 1946 in Gillett Grove. His childhood was spent in the Webb area and he graduated from Harris Lake Park in 1964. On October 31, 1965, Don married Ellen Schroeder in Spirit Lake, IA. He spent his working years at Cargill and Farmers Coop. After retiring, he would get up early in the morning to serve coffee in Gillett Grove and took great pride in helping his brother, Kenny, at his station in Webb. Don's passion in life was Chuck Wagon racing. He began outriding when he was 12 years old for his dad, Leo, and eventually became the owner of the Black D. One of Don's proudest moments in life was when he turned his wagon over to his sons, Donnie, Randy & Bo. After turning the wagon over to the boys he still stayed involved in the sport by becoming a wagon judge to this day. Don also loved his years of being a 4H leader, volunteer fireman, and serving on the Clay County Extension Council. Don's other passion was Pony Express, where he served 12 years on the state board. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing but Don's biggest passion in life was spending time with his grandchildren. Don passed away Wednesday, April 17, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 66. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (David Essick), one sister (Shirley Fritz) and his stepmother, Maggie Essick. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ellen of Dickens, and their two sons, Donnie (Jenny) Essick of Gillett Grove, Randy (Jennifer) Essick of Spencer, and what he always called his other son, Bo; and their beloved dog, 'Pepper'; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Lois (Bob) Wilkinson of Chicago, IL, Mary Klatt of Linn Grove and Betty Carlson of Spencer; one brother, Ken (Deb) Essick of Webb, along with many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Becky Schroeder; and many other relatives and friends.

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