Jeffery Paul Eslinger (2023)

ESLINGER, JOHNSON MITCHELL SACKETT, THOMPSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:04:36

Powers Funeral Home
Afton, Iowa

Jeff Eslinger, 49, of Macksburg, died Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Lenox. A Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Burial will be at Moon Cemetery in Macksburg. Open visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with family receiving friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be given at powersfh.com.

Jeffery Paul Eslinger was born on April 4, 1974, to the late Ernie Eslinger and Cathy Sackett, in Winterset, Iowa. Jeff grew up in Lorimor, well known to anyone in town. He and Chris could be seen in Criss’ Food Store, at the Lorimor Park, or finding trouble around town. There was not a soul in town that did not know the Eslinger twins!

Jeff graduated from East Union High School in 1992. His reputation throughout high school remained well-known, as Jeff made a point to interact with anyone roaming the halls. In fact, he and Bobbie met during Mrs. Gammel’s homeroom. Their relationship began a few years later when Jeff was working in Iowa City and Bobbie was enrolled in college. From this relationship, they eventually welcomed Keaton and married, then later Kaela and Kinsey.

Jeff and Bobbie bought their first house north of Macksburg in 1999. Jeff thought it was the perfect house and was happy to show Bobbie, once you could see it beyond the trees and weeds it was hiding in! With the help of many hands, the trees and bushes were cleared, and a new roof installed. Jeff promised Bobbie the first renovation would be the kitchen of her dreams. However, Kaela came along, so a new bedroom would be next. Jeff continued working full time during the day and spent many hours at night and on the weekend renovating the house. Eventually, Jeff finished the kitchen with the help of his brother Chris. In fact, they were most proud of the backsplash that cost them many hours of sleep at night! In the end, the house turned out just as Jeff had planned and he was quite proud of all the work he put into it.

Jeff loved traveling. He was always ready to go and willing to leave if there was an agenda. Jeff enjoyed trips to the beach, but one of his favorites was the trip to Texas. He enjoyed driving across the country if there were not too many bathroom stops (Mike). Other favorites were Nashville, Las Vegas, and most recently Pennsylvania in January. Jeff had a list of many other places that were next to visit.

Jeff and Bobbie were married October 14, 2000, at Bobbie’s parents’ house north of Afton. Jeff was extremely specific that they would marry in a year he could remember! Together, Jeff and Bobbie welcomed three children, Keaton, Kaela, and Kinsey. For the last 25 years, they have resided in their dream home north of Macksburg. He thoroughly enjoyed watching all three of his kids play sports and always had a piece of advice after the games. Jeff was a member of the American Legion Post 96, Lakeshore Country Club, and many other local groups. Everyone here can easily think of a story to tell about Jeff because he was always the highlight of the party. Keaton, Kaela, and Kinsey especially have fond memories of their dad:
Keaton – He was always helping me work on a vehicle or renovate my first house. Many pieces of advice were given to both.
Kaela – Last week my high school softball team that I coach at Martensdale-St. Mary’s qualified for state. He immediately caught me as I jumped into his arms. He told me how proud he was of me and to go win State.
Kinsey – My favorite thing that I ever got to do with my dad was getting to drive around with him. When we were in a car together that would mean that we would have a singing and a dance party in the car driving down the road trying to stay in between the lines.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 22 years, Bobbie; three children, Keaton, Kaela, Kinsey; mother and father Bob and Karla Mitchell of Afton; Mother Cathy Sackett of Sedalia, MO; sisters-in-law Mindi Eslinger of Afton; Shannon Thompson (Clint Hoffman) of Diagonal; Stacy Johnson (Mike) of Gilbert; and several nieces and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his twin brother Chris in November 2022, stepfather Kenny Sackett, and father Ernie in 1992.

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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