Claude Daniel Esch
Died Feb. 23, 2005

Claude Daniel Esch, 81, of Fairview, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, at The Home at AuSable Valley Community. Claude was an Honorary Member of MMSA.

Mr. Esch was born Jan. 8, 1924, near Fairview to Menno and Nettie (Yoder) Esch. He was baptized in 1931 at Fairview Mennonite Church where he remained a member until his death. He received his high school diploma, completing it in adult education the night after he gave his fourth child, Joyce, her graduation diploma. He married Luella Handrich May 2, 1945, and served as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, trustee, and in many other areas of the church. He served the community in a multitude of ways, including serving on the Oscoda County Fair Board for 22 years, the Fairview school board for eight years and donating many hours with the Northern Michigan Relief Sale.

Survivors include his wife, Luella; children, Leota (Dave) Crowder of Windsor, CO, Bruce (Gail) of Clifton, CO, Leta (Emerson) Gerber of Fairview, Joyce (Roger) Yoder of Glenwood Springs, CO, Wilton “Bill” (Beth) of Mio, and Paul (Shawn) of Fairview; grandchildren, Chad Crowder, Jeff (Elaine) Crowder, Charmain (Tony) Shitanishi, Aaron (Becky) Esch, Heidi (Joel) Metzger, Vaughn (Nikki) Gerber, Phillip (Kyla) Yoder, Deanna Esch and Stephancy Esch; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Justin Metzger, Kristin, Paxton and Wyatt Esch, Mehli Yoder and Ashlyn Crowder; sister, Ellen Schrock; and brothers, Floyd and Ira.

Mr. Esch was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rueben and Chris; sisters, Lily, Esther and Velma; four brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Esch Family.