Al Esterberg

Al “Skeets” Esterberg was born on December 5, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Claire B. and Estella Jeanne (McCorkell) Esterberg. Al passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 in the critical care unit at North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Al was recently diagnosed with cancer and everyone was so hopeful for a successful recovery, but other complications intervened during his last week and changed the course of the outcome.

Al proudly graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in Alexandria, MN with the class of 1964. In 8th grade, Dick Greengo asked Al to try out for the first wrestling team to be organized in District 206. From then to his high school graduation, Coach Greengo’s mentorship played an important role in Al’s life. Al became a star wrestler, which paved a natural path for Al to become successful in the sales field.  He learned the essence of teamwork and leadership. Al used these qualities throughout his life.

After serving four years in the United States Air Force, Al worked at KXRA Radio and later went to the Brown Institute of Broadcasting. Al went on the air in 1971 and signed off in October of 1987. Soon after he was hired at KXRA, it didn’t take long for Everett Walters, owner of the radio station, to recognize Al’s obvious career path, and brought him into sales. Through Al’s charm and creativity, he proved that if you can sell “Air”, you can sell pretty much anything.

Al’s most memorable time on the air was being on the morning show with Charlie Christopherson and Dick Trisko. They were spontaneous and had so much fun working on the air together. KXRA was an enormous part of Al’s life.  Al had a legion of friends in all areas of his life.

After Al Signed off the air in 1987, he went into the medical sales field, selling everything but pharmaceuticals. Al’s current position at the time of his death, was working for Mike Marden, a former boss, selling commercial flooring. He worked in medical sales for 32 years. Al’s territory encompassed Minnesota and North and South Dakota. All the work he’s done locally in his hometown of Alexandria will be a constant reminder to his family. Al instilled in his daughters his positive outlook on life and his work ethic. Their lives are a testament to Al’s love and caring.

Al was happiest when he had a hammer in his hand. He built four beautiful homes in Alexandria and also completely remodeled the KXRA radio studio 40 years ago with the help of two sports buddies.

Al loved all sports and participated in golf, volleyball, basketball and softball. Al’s volleyball team, the KXRA “Strong Signals” took pride in beating the Traveler’s Inn team as City Champions for nine years in a row.

Al and Ann had recently bought a limited edition Honda Gold Wing trike and Al was so looking forward to he and Ann getting back on the road this spring and summer. He took Brock, Jack, Grace and Luke with him whenever he could, and it was endless joy.

When Al chose Ann to become his wife, it started 42 ½ years of crazy fun that even they didn’t see coming. They wrote their own love story, as all couples do. Al is survived by his wife Ann, three daughters and five grandchildren:  Tiffany Ann and husband Ken Marthaler and their sons Brock, Zach and Bailey; Autumn Joy and husband Jared Lindenfelser and their children Jack, Grace and Luke; Al’s oldest daughter Tammy Renee Esterberg and her son Nicolas of California; favorite mother-in-law Fran Engstrom; brothers-in-law Richard Engstrom, Jim Engstrom and his wife Darla; sisters Corki, Sandy and Sheri, brother Wes Esterberg and nephew Russ Esterberg.  Al was preceded in death by his parents Claire and Jeanne Esterberg, and his father-in-law Gene Engstrom.

Because of Al’s love of carpentry and building, the family prefers memorials to Douglas County Habitat for Humanity.

We are heartbroken but certain Al is in Heaven and is sending his strength and love to all he holds dear. Blessed be the memories and the life of Al Esterberg.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 1:00 PM at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.