Doris Esplan, 97, Blooming Prairie
Doris Esplan, age 97, of Blooming Prairie, passed away on May 8, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.
Doris Eileen Nordine was born on Aug. 26, 1928, in Cokato, Minn., to Ernest and Violet Nordine.
She married Sylvester Esplan in 1945. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith and family.
Doris and Sy were blessed with eight children, 30 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Doris loved life, family and friends. She loved baking and always made sure there were snacks or a dessert to share with visitors. Her home was often filled with family and friends, and she treasured every moment spent together.
She loved dancing with her husband, spending summers at Hoy’s resort fishing whenever possible, and playing any kind of card game. Family and friends will fondly remember her smile as she tried to pass up her turn at dealing saying, “I just dealt.”
Doris was honest and direct with her feelings, never afraid to speak her mind. She often said how blessed she was to have such a great family, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Esplan; her son, Lawrence Esplan; daughter-in-law, Kathy Esplan; sons-in-law, Merle Hoy and Roger Swearingen; grandson, Dannel Nolan; brothers, Lawrence Nordine and Donald Nordine; and sister, Jacki Harris.
She is survived by her children; Judy Hoy of Blooming Prairie, Kenneth (Judy) Esplan of Blooming Prairie; Caren Swearingen of Ellendale; Curtis (Cindy) Esplan of Blooming Prairie; Joanne (Tom) Perkins of St. Paul Park; Mary Jane (Steve) Linde of Wells; Darin Esplan of Ellendale; sisters Lois Friesner and Annette Jaros; and many dear friends.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, with visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Burial will follow at St. Columbanus Cemetery, with a reception afterward at the Servicemen’s Club.