Wesley William Esslinger

Wesley W. Esslinger, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Lexington Regional Health Center.

He was born on February 16, 1928 southwest of Elwood, Nebraska to Julius and Leona (Holst) Esslinger. Wesley received his education from Arapahoe Public Schools, graduating from Arapahoe High School with the class of 1945.

Wesley worked on the family farm until 1957, when he moved to Lexington and that’s where he met the love of his life on the street corner downtown, Marcella M. “Sally” Naprstek. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1959, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington and the couple were blessed with four children: Sharon, Sandra, Rick and Sherry. They made their home in Lexington, where Wesley worked at Dawson County Motors. He then went on to Delp & Chandler Ford Garage before going back to Dawson County Motors and then went to Crozier Ford. Before retiring he spent the next thirteen years working for Nebraska Public Power.

Wesley’s love of racing was an understatement. If it had a motor and tires, he could tell you anything about it. He enjoyed going to the Dawson County Speedway throughout the years and every February Wes and Sally would make a trip to the Daytona 500. They enjoyed this experience and made this trip for thirty five years. His expertise in mechanic work helped lead to his love of cars and working on them. Wes was a jack of all trades. You would be in Wesley’s good gracious when it came to vehicles unless you brought up CHEVY. He also enjoyed planting his flower and vegetable garden. Visiting and spending time with his friends and family were also very valuable to him. Wes never knew a stranger and could tell a good story.

Wes was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington and was always active in church activities.

Survivors include his children, Sandie (Bob) Anderson of Lexington, Rick (Jill) Esslinger of Cozad and Sherry (Shane) Area of Overton; ten grandchildren, Katie Rhodig, Lynn Forster, Korey Forster, Seth Area, Brett Area, Andrew Area, Amanda Area, Samantha Area, Steven Area and Mica Esslinger; fifteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sally, daughter, Sharon Forster; sister, Rogene Tvrdy; as well as cousins and extended family.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to Vesta Liehs, Karen & Steve Latter, Diana Underwood, Trudy Svoboda and the elves, Char Barron and Elaine Peck.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Ohlmann and Pastor Rob Kuefner, officiating. The service will be live-streamed via the Trinity Lutheran Church Website. Face coverings will be required.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Interment will be in Elwood Cemetery east of Elwood, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or to the family as they will be sponsoring a race in Wesley’s honor next summer.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com