Darlyne J. Esser, age 63 of Coleharbor, ND, died Sunday, March 26, 2006 at her home.

Funeral Services: 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 31, 2006;
St. John's Lutheran Church - Underwood, ND;
Rev. Dean Hartley, Officiating;
Interment: Coleharbor Cemetery - rural Coleharbor, ND;
Visitation: 2:00 - 7:00 PM Thursday at Goetz Funeral Home - Underwood;
Friday, 1 hour prior to time of service at the church

Darlyne was born December 3, 1942 at Turtle Lake, ND the daughter to Newell & Taletta (Anderson) Nelson. She attended schools in the Turtle Lake and Minot, ND area. As a teenager, Darlyne worked at the Hansen's Drive-In in Minot as was fondly nicknamed "Gidget" by her friends. While working at the Drive-In, she met Gregory "John" Esser who she married in June of 1963. The couple resided in several locations in North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, Alabama, & Texas while following John's employment opportunities. Darlyne worked as a waitress and bartender at lounges in Coleharbor, Minot, Underwood, & Washburn. In 2000, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Minot State University. Darlyne enjoyed taking pictures and collecting photos of her family and friends. She was known for her artistic talents and made several beautiful paintings. She was a proud mother of 4 children and worked hard to make their lives better.

She is survived by her children, Gordon L. Esser of Coleharbor, ND; Treasure L. Sims and husband Joshua, of Minneapolis, MN; John G. Esser and wife Misty of Jackpot, NV; 1 grandson, Brandon J. Esser; 1 sister and brothers-in-law, Joyce (Jim) Thompson of Amarillo, TX; & Orville Otto of Velva, ND; 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, Dalen (Sharon) Nelson of Surrey, ND; Roland Nelson of Turtle Lake, ND; & Stanley (Loralee) Nelson of Minot, ND; & many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son (Gregory "Allen" Esser), & sister (Lilly Otto).