Donald Leroy Eskuri, resident of Sturgeon Lake, MN died peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, September 14 ^th , 2019 in Essentia – St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth at the age of 84 years old. He was born at his family home in Kettle River, MN on September 4 ^th , 1935 to Otto and Signe (Heiskari) Eskuri.

Don grew up on the family farm before they moved to Sand Lake when he was a teenager, and then he graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army in November of that same year, being honorably discharged in 1956. Don was married to Arlene Alanen on January 6 ^th , 1956. Together, they raised two children, Scott and Shari. The family moved to Esko in 1967 where the kids grew up. Don worked for many years with Schweigert Meats, before opening Padee Foods in Gary New Duluth. He would go on to open and operate numerous other stores in the meat processing industry throughout the area, including in Kettle River and Moose Lake, becoming famous for his deer processing. Don married Susan (Zipoy) Mikrot on January 8 ^th , 1994 in Sturgeon Lake, where they lived and loved the remainder of their lives together. Don was a member of the Kettle River American Legion Post #360 and Holy Trinity Church of Kettle River. He loved meeting friends and family for daily breakfasts, rotating between all of the local cafes. Don was a true family man who was proud of his Finnish Heritage and will be remembered for his light-hearted, sometimes mischievous humor, and his passion for the Green Bay Packers.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene; parents, Otto and Signe; brothers, Otto Jr., William "Bill", Oscar, Paul, and Walter; and sisters, Ailie, Helmi, and Hannah.

Don will be dearly missed by his wife, Sue; son, Scott (Joy) Eskuri; daughter, Shari (Dan) Schopf; step-sons, Craig, Kevin (Katie), and Nicholas (Stephanie) Mikrot; grandchildren, Jamie (Jake Lantry), Ryan, and Adam (Kate) Eskuri, Emily and Anna Schopf, and Raymond, Kaylee, Monica, Laura, Mallory, Ally, Owen, and Melanie Mikrot; great-grandson, Jeffrey Lantry; brother, Fred; sisters, Helen and Lempi; and numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends.

A visitation to honor Don's life will be held on Saturday, September 21 ^st , 2019 from 3pm until the 4pm memorial service at Faith Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Lake. Pastor Paul Reiff will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by Kettle River American Legion Post #360.