Matthew Roger Eslick, 44
Matthew Roger Eslick, 44, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota, with family beside him. Matthew was born to Roger and Judy (Stewart) Eslick. Matthew is survived by his daughters Ashlyn and Isla Eslick, parents Roger and Judy Eslick, and siblings Nathan [Annette] Eslick, Carolyn Pekol, Andrea [Brad] Eslick Watkins, Julie [Curtis] Warner, and many nieces and nephews. Matthew is preceded in death by his cousins Todd Eslick and Aimee Schreiber, and grandparents Don and Pauline Stewart, and John (Jack) and Adeline Eslick.
Growing up on the family farm outside of Dayton, Matthew learned the value of hard work by helping in the field, checking pigs, and completing countless projects around the farm, such as shingling the house and assembling bulk bins. Though Matthew enjoyed many hobbies (such as cooking, landscaping, and watching Star Trek and Hawkeye football), his dream was always to become an attorney.
After Matthew graduated from Southeast Webster High School in 1998, he attended college at Drake University, impressively triple-majoring in math; English; and law, politics, and society. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduating magna cum laude in 2002, Matthew went on to attend law school at Drake University as a Dwight D. Opperman scholar. He received many honors in law school when he graduated near the top of his class in 2005, including recognition on the Dean’s list each semester, 8 Top A (CALI) awards, and memberships in the Order of the Barristers and the Order of the Coif. Matthew served as a research editor for the Drake Law Review and received countless awards for his contributions in Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions.
Matthew was a member of the Iowa and Minnesota Bar Associations (both state and federal), as well as the 8th Circuit Bar Association. His first position after graduating law school involved a clerkship for the Honorable James E. Gritzner of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. From there, Matthew went on to practice law at Nyemaster Goode, P.C. and then for Nationwide Insurance Company, both in Des Moines. Matthew excelled in litigation and defense work. In 2020, Matthew moved to Minnesota and practiced law at several firms in Minneapolis/St. Paul until his passing.
Despite Matthew’s long list of accomplishments, he was most proud of his daughters, Ashlyn and Isla. He enjoyed making pancakes for them on weekend mornings, taking them for walks in their wagon, and exploring apple orchards in the fall. He loved them very much.
A visitation for Matthew was held on April 19, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Dayton United Methodist Church (107 3rd ST NW). A celebration of life service was held on April 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., also at the Dayton United Methodist Church.
For online obituaries and condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com
Ocala Florida – Vanita M. (Brain, Albrecht) McCurnin. 77, formally of Gowrie and Farnhamville, passed away Monday March 12, 2024, at AdventHealth in Tampa Florida.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 Tuesday March 26, 2024, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Farnhamville with pastor Aaron Zimmerman officiating. Graveside services were held at 1:30 PM Tuesday March 26, 2024, at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #510 Farnhamville.
Vanita Marie Albrecht-McCurnin was born on August 14, 1946, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. First child of Merlin and Theresa Brain, Vanita was baptized and confirmed in the faith at Christ Lutheran Church in Churdan. She attended grade school at Cedar Valley in Farnhamville and graduated from Paton-Church High School in 1964.
On her 18th birthday, Vanita departed Iowa for training at Naval Station Great Lakes in northeastern Illinois. From 1964 to 1967 she served as a medic at St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, New York. There she met William George Albrecht whom she married on January 28, 1967. After her husband’s untimely death in 1968 Vanita earned her Registered Nurse degree from Iowa Central Community College. For 34 years she practiced nursing in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Virginia. She served with the Oklahoma National Guard as a newly commissioned second lieutenant during the 1980 “Cuban Crisis” and the US Army Reserve Nurse Corps, assigned to the Pentagon, from 1981 to 1983. On August 23, 1980, she married Patrick Eugene McCurnin in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The couple resided and retired in Virginia before moving to Ocala, Florida in 2005.
An aviation enthusiast Vanita obtained a private pilot license prior to her commercial pilot license in 1975. This passion for flying extended to travel generally when visiting locations in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East with her children and husband. Her accompaniment underscores the fact that, among all interests and accomplishments, faith and family were a priority throughout Vanita’s life. Service to the Lord was paramount. Every moment with “her kids” was precious.
Left to cherish her memory is husband Patrick; sons Dr. William George Albrecht, Jr. (Dawn) of West End, North Carolina, Robert William Albrecht (Autumn) and grandson Christian of Ocoee, Florida; Brother Maurice Brain of Farnhamville; sister Vanessa King (Ronald) of Gowrie, Iowa; nephews Rawley King (Amy) and Ronley (Claire) of Waukee, Iowa and Gowrie, respectively; nieces Shelly Hepp of Lohrville, Iowa, Arkay Brown (David) of Ankeny, Iowa and their families. A memorial service was held on March 19, 2024, in her home church at “The Villages” where she was an active member. In lieu of flowers, Vanita requested memorials be sent (made out) to Open Bible, 4671 Bellwether Lane, Oxford, FL, 34484.
Connie Joan (Pugsley) Naumann was born on, August 22, 1939, in Elmore, MN, the daughter of Paul L. and Marguerite (Nutt) Pugsley. She graduated from Elmore High School in 1957 and then attended secretarial school in Mankato.
Connie married her high school sweetheart Donald M. Naumann on May 10, 1958, and to this union three children were born, Sheree, Shelley, and Shannan. The couple took up the family tradition of farming for 55 years.
Connie was confirmed in the Elmore United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, camping, family trips, skiing (Ski Patrol) and winters in Florida.
Connie is survived by her daughters, Sheree (Bill) Hoover, of Duncombe, Shelley (Paul) Schweich, of Lakeville, MN and Shannan Musel of Frost, MN; seven grandchildren: Sarah (Kyle) Kuhn, Tiffany (Todd) Bingham, Chase Coupanger, Channing (Joe) Kill, Cody Musel, Shania Musel, and Joshua Musel and 15 great-grandchildren.
Connie passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Grandview Health Care Center in Dayton, at the age of 84 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald on Nov. 1, 2013 and brother, Thomas Pugsley.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Gowrie. Burial was om Riverview Cemetery in Elmore, MN.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove in charge of arrangements.
On Wednesday, April 17th, the Southeast Valley Music Department embarked on an enriching journey to Des Moines, Iowa, where they blended education with entertainment for a day filled with learning and fun.
Their day commenced at Drake University, where both the choir and band eagerly participated in a clinic facilitated by distinguished experts Dr. Eric Barnum and Professor Robert Meunier. The aim? To fine-tune their musical pieces in preparation for the upcoming large group contest, just a few weeks away. Under the guidance of these seasoned professionals, students honed their skills and refined their performances, aiming for excellence. Read More...
Bruce and Terry Towne were among the attendees at the second annual First Responders Gala held at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, IA, on April 13th, 2024. This formal event, dedicated to celebrating the bravery and dedication of first responders, featured a special guest, Chris Fields, a retired Oklahoma City fire commander, who shared his inspiring journey and insights into the challenges faced by those in the field.
The gala was organized by the Peer Support Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to providing standardized practice and training to public safety professionals in peer support concepts and critical incident stress management. With a focus on reducing first responder suicide, alleviating family discord, and ensuring the well-being of retirees, the foundation offers individual assistance, agency consultation, and training tailored to the unique needs of law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Read More...
The 2024 Iowa State FFA Convention was a resounding success for the Central Plains FFA chapter, with its members showcasing their talents, dedication, and commitment to agricultural education and leadership. Over the course of two days filled with competitions, meetings, workshops, and celebrations, Central Plains FFA left an indelible mark on the convention, earning recognition and accolades in various events.
The first day of the convention saw Central Plains FFA members engaging in a multitude of activities and competitions. Isaiah Ihrig competed in the Chapter Exhibit category, demonstrating the chapter’s achievements and initiatives. The Parliamentary Procedure Team earned a Bronze Rating, showcasing their proficiency in this essential aspect of FFA leadership.
In the Ag Sales competition, Central Plains FFA impressed by clinching the 2nd position statewide, a testament to their knowledge and skills in agricultural marketing. The Reporter Scrapbook entry garnered a Silver Rating, reflecting the dedication of the chapter’s reporters in documenting their FFA journey. Read More...
The Southeast Valley Boys Golf team demonstrated their competitive spirit and skill at a recent tournament held in Emmetsburg, securing a commendable second-place finish with a team score of 159.
Emmetsburg, reigning conference champions and State qualifiers for the past two years, proved their mettle once again by clinching the victory with an impressive team total of 147. GTRA claimed the third spot with a team score of 166, while SCC finished with a score of 182.
SV’s standout performances were highlighted by Hane Sorenson’s impressive one-over-par 36 and Karson Roper’s solid two-over-par 37. Sorenson’s exceptional performance earned him recognition with a four-hole playoff for the runner-up position. Despite a valiant effort, Sorenson narrowly missed out on the honor, succumbing to tough competition from the previous year’s conference winner and a state qualifier. Read More...
On April 18th, the Southeast Valley girls’ golf team showcased their resilience and skill in a challenging dual against Manson Northwest Webster at Oak Park Golf and Recreation in Dayton. Despite facing wet conditions and cold winds, the Southeast Valley girls maintained a positive attitude and emerged victorious with a team score of 230, while Manson Northwest Webster finished with a score of 265.
The standout performer of the meet was Halle Steck from Southeast Valley, who claimed the title of meet medalist with an impressive score of 51. Shelby Swartzendruber from Manson Northwest Webster secured the runner-up position with a score of 52. Read More...
Copyright © 2024 The Gowrie News - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy