Esmay, Donald L., Ph.D. A longtime resident of Coon Rapids, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 11 at the age of 91 years. He was husband to Lola "Sally" for just two days short of 64 years. He was father to six children and five in-laws, Dr. Joel and Sue Beck-Esmay, Julie and Alan Hawkinson, John and Deborah Esmay, Joni and Kevin Hogie, Jani Esmay Bialke, Jay and Leticia Esmay; and was grandfather to 19; brother to Jerry (Mickie) Esmay. Preceded in death by sister, Zelda Cummins. For over three years, he led the 147th Field Artillery Band in the South Pacific during WWII, and was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant. He then used the GI Bill to earn his Doctorate in Chemistry at Iowa State University. For 22 years, he was a scientist, chemist, and inventor at 3M. Don "Doc" Esmay, was a past member of the Anoka Ramsey Community College Advisory Board and spent several years on the Mercy Hospital Board. He was active in the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, chairing the day-care board and as a member of the choir, often substituting as director. Don spent many years in scouting and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He served as committee Chair of Troop 212 and Chair of the Isanti-Anoka District. He inspired all three of his sons and six grandsons to earn their Eagle Scout rank. Many know Don for his music. He was a member of the North Suburban Community Band until he was 89.
Esmay, Donald L., Ph.D. A longtime resident of Coon Rapids, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 11 at the age of 91 years. He was husband to Lola "Sally" for just two days short of 64 years. He was father to six children and five in-laws, Dr. Joel and Sue Beck-Esmay, Julie and Alan Hawkinson, John and Deborah Esmay, Joni and Kevin Hogie, Jani Esmay Bialke, Jay and Leticia Esmay; and was grandfather to 19; brother to Jerry (Mickie) Esmay. Preceded in death by sister, Zelda Cummins. For over three years, he led the 147th Field Artillery Band in the South Pacific during WWII, and was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant. He then used the GI Bill to earn his Doctorate in Chemistry at Iowa State University. For 22 years, he was a scientist, chemist, and inventor at 3M. Don "Doc" Esmay, was a past member of the Anoka Ramsey Community College Advisory Board and spent several years on the Mercy Hospital Board. He was active in the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church, chairing the day-care board and as a member of the choir, often substituting as director. Don spent many years in scouting and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He served as committee Chair of Troop 212 and Chair of the Isanti-Anoka District. He inspired all three of his sons and six grandsons to earn their Eagle Scout rank. Many know Don for his music. He was a member of the North Suburban Community Band until he was 89.
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