Brian Espeset

Brian Espeset

I took the checkered flag on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

I was born in 1945 in Worthington, MN to Allan Espeset and Wanda Krohn.  I was raised in Rushmore, MN, living on a farm site and attended a one room county school south of Rushmore until 3rd grade.  The school closed and elementary school continued in Rushmore through 8th grade.  I graduated from Worthington High School in 1963.

High school sweetheart, Leona Lewis and I married on Sept 18, 1965 at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian, MN.  We were blessed with two wonderful sons, Michael and Richard and their families: Michael (Ann) and grandchildren Jackson (Dillan), Claire (Erik Chester) and Nate, great grandsons, Finn and Kale Espeset.  Richard (Andrea) and grandchildren Ethan, McKelvey and Finley.  We were fortunate to celebrate a 5-generation gathering with my mother Wanda, 102 years old.  I am also survived by brothers, Paul (Pat) and Bob (Linda).  I was preceded in death by my parents.  

I graduated from Mankato State College with a BA and MS degrees in Industrial Arts during the heyday of that program.  My first teaching assignment was at Waldorf – Pemberton, MN in 1967 then on to Mankato High in 1968.  I spent my teaching career with District 77 teaching Power Mechanics, Machine Shop, Vocational Small Engines, Adult Evening School.  I concluded my career at Dakota Meadows Middle School.  I retired in 1999 and substituted for several years until my cancer diagnosis.

A student got me interested in go kart racing and I enjoyed that hobby for many years.  I was National Champion in my racing class in 1981.  Our family trips revolved around race tracks to the four corners of the U.S. and all over the Midwest.

I also enjoyed restoring transportation related vehicles; namely 1957 Oldsmobile’s, a Cushman motor scooter, a Falls Flyer boat, and vintage go karts.  Our family enjoyed many wonderful times with our neighborhood, baseball, go karting, and friendships with "old car people."  We were also garage sale addicts.  The Espeset family cabin on Lake Shetek provided many wonderful memories since the 1960’s.  

We have followed our sons and grandchildren in their activities which included baseball, cross country, golf, softball, volleyball, basketball, and dance. Many trips revolved around watching all of our grandchildren and we are very proud of them.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, give some words of encouragement to a student looking into Industrial, Technical, Building, or Trades studies of any kind.  Cremation was performed and there will be no services.