W.D. Eslinger Obituary (1937

Willis Dale Eslinger, 86, a loving father, husband, grandpa & great grandpa, passed away after a stroke, on Monday, August 5th, 2024, at Trios Hospital Kennewick, Washington. Dale was born October 19th,1937 at Ellensburg Hospital, to Willis and Atta Eslinger. He attended Kittitas High School and graduated in 1956, this is where he met his wife, Sharon Odle. They were married for 53 wonderful years before she passed away. After high school Dale went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad as a signal maintainer for over 40 years. They lived in many cities throughout Washington until they settled in Prosser, Washington for 22 years where they raised their family. They eventually relocated to Vancouver, Washington, until they retired to Yakima in 1999, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. After the passing of his wife Sharon Eslinger, he lived in Yakima for many years until he met his second wife, Marlene Bordynoski. They married in 2013 and moved to Kennewick Washington, where he stayed until his passing. Athletics were always a huge part of Dale’s life. He played various sports throughout high school and continued to play slow pitch well into his 60’s. He always carried his mitt and shoes in his car just in case someone needed a pickup player. It was always a great time, especially when he got to play with his sons and their friends. Sharon and Dale enjoyed watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. They were at every event, and he was always keeping stats on the games that would be discussed and deliberated afterwards. They nicknamed him the Professor because of this. If Dale wasn’t attending a sporting event you could find him at the casino playing slots or traveling to the beach. He loved being on the go and not sitting still for too long. Above all else, Dale loved his family. You could always count on him to be at every family event and making everyone laugh. Dale is survived by, Daughter Geri Lynn Weber (Gene), Sons Steve Eslinger (Babe) and Greg Eslinger (Candi), grandchildren; Danny Weber, Katie Loos, Sami Jo Lynch, Seth Eslinger and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Todd & Lu Shull. As well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Willis & Atta Eslinger, his wife Sharon Eslinger, his infant son Jeffery Eslinger and his brother Ray Eslinger. Memorial services will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Terrace Heights on October 19th, 2024, at 11:00 am. Following the service a reception will be held at Kameo Flower Shop, 31 N. 1st Ave., Yakima, WA. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Toppenish train museum.