Cheryl Lavone Esslinger
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Cheryl Lavone Esslinger was a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend. She went to
be with her Lord and Savior on January 15th, 2022.
Cheryl was born in Lexington, NE on 08/04/1951 to Carrol and Beverly Duff and was raised by her
parents in Bertrand NE. Cheryl attended Bertrand community schools and graduated from high
school in 1969 as the Valedictorian of her class. After high school, she worked for The Bank of
Bertrand.
Cheryl and Galen Esslinger were united in marriage 12/27/1969 in Bertrand NE and continued to live
in their home in Bertrand. When Galen left for military service in April 1970, Cheryl moved back in
with her parents while Galen attended basic training. In July, Cheryl joined Galen stationed at Ft
Hood, where they lived until December of 1970 when Galen left for Vietnam. Cheryl moved back in
with her parents in Bertrand when Galen left for his service. Plans changed and Galen was diverted
from Vietnam to Ft Lewis, WA. Once stationed there, Cheryl joined Galen near Ft Lewis, WA.
It was during their time in Washington that Cheryl gave birth to Crystal M Esslinger on 09/20/1971. In
the fall of 1971 Cheryl and Galen moved back to Nebraska when Galen was transferred from active
duty in the Army to the Nebraska Army National Guard. In 1972 Cheryl and Galen relocated to
Kearney, NE where she worked as a medical records clerk. She later made the decision to focus on
raising their children and began caring for not only Crystal but other children in their home. During
their time in Kearney is when Cheryl gave birth to Travis R Esslinger on 02/10/1975.
In the spring of 1991 Cheryl moved with her family to South Sioux City, NE due to a change in
Galen's employment. Cheryl and Galen lived in South Sioux City until the spring of 1993. Cheryl's
time is South Sioux City was a dark time as she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cheryl's
intensive treatments were successful and the Lord blessed her with complete recovery never to
experience the disease again.
In 1993 Cheryl and Galen moved to Bloomington, IN and in 1996 they moved to Arlington, TX.
Cheryl worked as a nanny caring for children in both their homes and in her own home. Cheryl
retired in 2008 to help better support her mother, and spend more time with Galen and her
grandchildren.
Upon Galen's retirement in 2016, they relocated to Frisco TX to be closer to her daughter and
grandchildren. Cheryl and Galen downsized and moved into an apartment but after several years of
apartment living they built a new home in Little Elm, TX and moved in on September 10, 2021. This
provided more space to accommodate family and host holidays. She enjoyed living in their new
home until the Lord called her.
Cheryl is survived by her husband Galen, her mother Beverly, daughter Crystal with her husband
Craig and children Connor, Collin and Carsyn and her son Travis with his fianc?e Gretchen and
children Madeline, Roderick and Evan.
Cheryl touched everyone she met. She had an infectious smile and was so happy when surrounded
by family and friends. Cheryl had such a love for all children. Many times it was hard to hear
because she found a video of a baby laughing with the volume turned up loud. Cheryl was dearly
loved and will be sorely missed by many.
Please see the following link to live-stream the service.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Final resting place will be DFW National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Donations can be made directly to:
https://fundraise.nbcf.org/give/251086/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4pf_s-S79QIVtxvUAR3mhALLEAAYAiAAEgLZRvD_BwE#!/donation/checkout