Esther E. Eschenbauch

MINOCQUA, Wis. - Esther E. Eschenbauch, 94, a longtime resident of Presque Isle, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Avanti Health and Rehabilitation Center in Minocqua. 

Esther was born on Jan. 4, 1921, in Ironwood, Mich., the daughter of Oscar E. and Ragna M. "Rena" (Lundsrud) Berg. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School.

Esther and her beloved husband, Charles, enjoyed traveling to their vacation home in Laredo, Texas, and she looked forward to her bi-weekly shopping trips to Mexico.

Esther took pleasure in spending time with her family and friends and touched many lives with her special kindness. Throughout her life, she had a soft spot for animals and her tranquil Northwoods cottage was a safe haven for all wildlife. 

Esther was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to Winegar American Legion Post 480 in Presque Isle.

Esther is survived by a son, Gerald George Hedman, Presque Isle; a stepson, Mickey Eschenbauch, Hazelhurst; four grandchildren, Randy Hedman, Ironwood, Wendy (Dave) Facchinello and Amy (Mark) Sampson, both of Ramsay, Mich., and Hans Eschenbauch, Superior; eight great-grandchildren, Mike (Dyonne) Hedman, Justin Sordahl, Courtney Hartwell, Erika Facchinello, Brandon King and Kaylee, and Peyton and Mitchell Makinen; a niece, Karen Bielawski, Marquette, Mich .; and three great-nieces, Dawn (John) Mayotte, Negaunee, Mich., Crystal (Peter) Massoglia, Marquette, and Lorelei (Stephen) Bibler, Hesperia, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, George Hedman; her second husband, Charles Eschenbauch; a brother, Oliver Berg; a sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Frank Bielawski; and a nephew, Bob Bielawski.

Out of respect for Esther's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Graveside services and interment will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, Presque Isle.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Mich., Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.