Doris Lorraine Essman was born to Ole and Mary (Anderson) Hegstad on March 29, 1925, in Slayton, Minnesota. She was raised and educated through eighth grade in Slayton before moving to Ellsworth, Minnesota. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1943 and then attended Mankato State Teachers’ College in Mankato, Minnesota, graduating in 1944. She taught school in Adrian, Minnesota, and Ellsworth.
On August 9, 1946 Doris was united in marriage to Melvin Essman. The couple lived on his parents’ farm for two years and then moved throughout the Rock and Nobles County area before settling on a farm near Kanaranzi, Minnesota. During this time Doris worked at the Kanaranzi store and post office for a few years.
In 1989 Doris and Melvin moved from their home of 29 years into Luverne, Minnesota. Melvin passed away on October 30, 2008. Doris continued to reside in their home until March 2009, when she moved to the Poplar Creek assisted living facility in Luverne. She later transitioned to the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home. On Sunday, June 4, 2023, Doris died peacefully at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 98 years, two months and six days.
Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. She was a ruling elder, belonged to “Anchor Group,” and was involved in circle and quilting. She also belonged to Kanaranzi Ladies Aid. She was a member of the Luverne Lions 92 and belonged to a bowling league. She enjoyed playing cards with her card club, knitting, crocheting, reading and fishing.
Doris is survived by her two children, David (Claudia) Essman of Deerwood, Minnesota, and Deanna (Robert) Wieme of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; daughter, Lori Essman; grandson, Steven Essman; parents, Ole and Mary; two siblings, Nona Walter and Minver Hegstad; and a step-sister, Juanita.
Funeral service will be Saturday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Luverne.
Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.