Todd Eslick

Todd E. Eslick 28, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and formerly of Dayton passed away Sunday, August 16, 2009, in rural Lincoln County, South Dakota, as the result of a single engine airplane accident, due to engine problems.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2009, at the Dayton Gymnasium, Dayton, Iowa. Rev. John Hembry & Rev. Keith Putney will officiate. Burial will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Dayton Gymnasium. Carson - Stapp Funeral Home in Dayton is in charge of the arrangements.

Todd Edmund Eslick, son of Richard and Colleen (Shuey) Eslick was born August 12, 1981 in Boone, Iowa. He grew up in Dayton and attended and graduated from Southeast Webster High School in 1999. He then attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, graduating in 2001 with an Associate Degree in Aviation.

Todd was united in marriage with Amy Addison in May 2004, to this union a daughter, Avery, was born. The couple later divorced.

Todd started flying at the age of 13. He knew then that he wanted to be a pilot. Flying was Todd's passion. He also became part of an aerobatic team. Todd's employment consisted of a flight instructor for Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA. Business Aviation/Encore- Charter pilot, Care Flight for Avera McKennan Hospital, Poet Ethanol- Corporate Pilot, and currently was a corporate pilot for Northwest Energy.

The number one joy in Todd's life was spending time with his daughter. He also enjoyed the yearly vacation to Minnesota with his whole family and flying. He flew with the Vanguard Squadron of Sioux Falls, performing at numerous air shows including the recent air show in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Survivors include his daughter, Avery and her mother, Amy Eslick, Harrisburg, SD; parents, Richard and Colleen Eslick, Dayton, IA; two brothers, Brad (Mary) Eslick, Dayton, IA, Ryan (Lindsay) Eslick, Fort Dodge, IA; grandparents, Adeline Eslick, Dayton, IA, Donald and Shirley Shuey, Boone, IA; nephews, Daniel, Nick, Michael, Nolan; niece, Lauren; and special friend, Angie Schmitz and her son, Curtis of Brookings, SD. Angie's other son, Tristan Schmitz passed away with Todd in the airplane accident. Todd was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jack Eslick; and a cousin, Travis Deuhring.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.