Marian Eslinger

Minot

Marian Eslinger, 89, Minot, died Thursday, March 12, 2026, in a Garrison nursing home.

Marian Crystal Opdahl was born on August 20, 1936 in Westhope, North Dakota to Halvor and Ruth (Tveter) Opdahl. She was raised and educated on the family farm near Newburg through the 6th grade. Marian’s family later moved into town and she graduated from Newburg High School in 1954. While in High School, Marian was a star basketball player and held the school record for most points scored in a game (49) for many years, and helped her team to win state championships in 1952 and 1953.

Following high school, Marian was employed in Minot as a waitress, working at the Eat Shop, Joe’s Diner, and the Airport Cafe. She married Curtis Eslinger on March 18, 1957, in Minot. Later that year they welcomed their first child, son Bryce. Two years later they welcomed their final child, daughter Melanie. The couple remained in Minot, until later moving to Pierre, South Dakota for three years to work on the Oahe Dam. They then returned to their home in Minot. Marian began cleaning homes in 1967 for various lawyers, dentists, and bankers in Minot. She would later retire in 2001. Curtis passed away in January 1993.

Marian attended Our Redeemer’s Church in Minot. She enjoyed laughing, baking, reading the newspaper, spending time with her family and friends, and loving on her grand-dog Pearl.

Marian shared her life with her daughter, Melanie Moore, Minot; grandson, Neil (Jennifer) Moore, Minot; sister, Florence (Jack) Duchsherer, Velva; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is now reunited with: her parents, Halvor and Ruth; husband, Curtis; son, Bryce; sister, Glenda Orke; and brother-in-law, Don Orke.

A funeral service will be held at Our Redeemer’s Church in Minot on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A livestream of the service will be available on the funeral home website.

A visitation will be held at Thomas Family Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to the Trinity Cancer Care Center, Minot or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 16, 2026.