Murray, Utah -

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Donald Edward Ess aka “Duck” age 59 of Elko, NV passed away in Murray, UT after a 3 ½ year battle with cancer, with his sister by his side.

He was born on September 12, 1962 in Shakopee, MN, the son of Kenneth and Barbara (Marchand) Ess on their third anniversary.

He was a 1981 graduate of Blackduck High School.

He was in the MN National Guards for 4 years.

Don loved the outdoors - camping, canoeing, snorkeling, fishing, horseshoes and harvesting wild rice. He also loved throwing darts.

Don and his beloved cat Waji had many adventures together that he wrote a few children’s books about. They then took a bicycle trip from Minnesota to Texas to promote his books.

He lived most of his life in MN, recently purchasing land in NV that he was proud to own.

Don is survived by his mother Barbara, 3 brothers Chuck (Jennifer) Ess of Des Moines, IA, Dan Ess of Bemidji, MN, Steve (Jeanice) Ess of Hines, MN and sister Jody (Randy Puschinsky) of Bemidji, MN. Uncle and Aunt Joe and RoseAnn Mahowald of Carver, MN, uncle Bill Ess of Carver, MN, many nieces and nephews and 6 1st cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Ess, uncle Leo (Dean) Marchand, uncle and aunt Bob and Dorothy (Tuddy) Ess and his grandparents.