George Easterling, 86, of Wagner

Funeral services are 2 PM, Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Wagner Community Church in Wagner. Burial is in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 4 PM until 7 PM with the family present from 6 to 7 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7 PM. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

George James Easterling was born on the family farm south of Dante, SD on October 26, 1923, the son of Thomas and Mabel (Carsner) Easterling. He died Sunday, September 12, 2010 at his home after an extended illness. George attained the age of 86 years, 10 months and 17 days.

George attended Ravinia High School. He then served in the US Army. George was united in marriage to Alice Strid in Mitchell, SD on October 18, 1953. He was a farmer all of his life.

George served on the Highland County School Board and as an usher at the Wagner Community Church. He was also a Gideon member.

George will be remembered for his love of drawing, western movies with John Wayne, talking on the phone, and flying airplanes - he never wrecked one once. He only had accidents on tractors, cars, trucks and a motor scooter. George also was known for his toy tractor collection.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Alice of Wagner; six children: Chris Harris of Hibbing, MN and her children James, Alisha and Jared; Vicki (Tom) Thaler of Wagner and their children Steven, Amanda and Timothy; Janice Ricketts of Taneytown, MD and her daughter Christine; Marsha Easterling and friend Sharon Deeb of Sioux Falls; LaVonne (Doug) Andersh of Wagner and her children Brien and Kayla; and Keith Easterling and friend Cheryl Giedd of Wagner and his children Danelle, Ashley and Tristan; 12 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 step-great grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Ruth) Easterling of Marysville, WA; special relatives: Carol and Lee Aanenson; Bob and Sherry Sorenson; and special friends: Margaret Horned Eagle and family; Matilda "Pinky" Bruguier and family; Darlene Crisman and Sandy Easterling.

George was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom; 3 sisters: Nina Becker; Elvis Sorenson; and Tora Easterling; half brother, Jesse Easterling; half sister, Mary Atkins; and foster son, Chuck Ashes.