Dana B. Esselstyn

Dana B. Esselstyn (nee: Davis) Age 96 passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025. She was the only child born to Harry and Margaret (nee: Dickson) Davis on October, 17, 1928 in East Chicago, Indiana. She attended the University of Wisconsin and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. On September 10, 1949, she married Charles A. “Chuck” Esselstyn. They were married for fifty-three years, before he preceded her in death.

Dana will be sadly missed by her three children, Lynda (Jim) Drews, Gail (Randy) Erickson, Chris (Cathleen) Esselstyn, five special grandchildren, Collin (Jess) Drews, Chris (Emily) Drews, Jay (Rachel) Erickson, Dana Erickson, and Evan Erickson. She is further survived by her dear great grandchildren, Brinley & Crosby Drews, Josie Drews, and Isla Erickson.

Dana belonged to the Jr. Women’s Club and the YWCA Peanut Ladies. She was president of the Waukesha Service Club and the Sr. League of Waukesha Service Club. Dana enjoyed being a leader for the Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. She was a charter member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and loved to play bridge. She called herself a vagabond due to all her international travels. She loved spending time in Eagle River where she met Chuck and the family owned a cottage on Stormy Lake for many years. But you can’t forget the Scottie dogs. Dana loved animals especially Scotties which numbered at least five during her lifetime. But the main thing she loved was spending time with family. She met her son Chris once a week for breakfast and grocery shopping. She would fly out to Seattle to visit her daughter Gail and family. She would spend mother-daughter time with her daughter Lynda up in Door County. Her children always said Dana’s mind was sharper than theirs even up to the last minutes of her life. She called herself an Avalon Girl. Her last eight years of her life were spent at Avalon Square among the wonderful residents and staff.

The family would like to thank Dr. “Demi” for all the care she gave our mother, the caring people at AngelsGrace, and especially her Avalon Square family who showed their love and care to our mother. Donations can be made to Avalon Square.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Avalon Square Chapel, 222 Park Place Waukesha on Monday , May 12 from 11:00 AM until 1 PM.