Edward J. Essenmacher

Edward Joseph (Fritz) Essenmacher, 96, of Harbor Beach passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He was born February 7, 1915, in Helena, Michigan, to the late Joseph and Anastasia (Lorkowski) Essenmacher. Edward married Lillian Siemen on June 26, 1937 at St Anthony Catholic Church in Helena, Michigan. She preceded him in death on January 13, 2000. Edward and Lillian were married nearly 65 years. Edward was a lifelong resident of Huron County and a retired Sand Beach Township farmer. Edward was a member of the Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church where he served as an Usher, and a member of the Men`s Club. Edward also served on the school board of the Ward School where his children attended. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and Michigan Milk Producers Association. He took great joy in life and spending time with his family and friends. He loved playing cards and belonged to two card clubs, and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Edward loved his country living on his 200-acre dairy and crop farm where he lived for over 70 years. Edward was a man of faith, a steadfast, caring and loving husband and father, and he was larger than life to his family. Edward is survived by his seven children: Marlene Kirsch and her husband Ronald of Harbor Beach, MI; Joan Sanseverino and her husband James of Carlsbad, CA; Gerald Essenmacher and his wife Yvonne of Washington, MI; Paul Essenmacher and his wife Carol of Harbor Beach, MI; Nancy Beneicke and her husband John of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Jean Holdwick and her husband Herbert of Maple City, MI; and Elaine Kranz and her husband Jerry of Harbor Beach, MI. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Viola (Kenneth) Tenbusch of Flushing, MI; a bother-in-law, Lavern Siemen; and sister-in-laws Marjorie Siemen, Mabel Siemen, Virginia Kriete, and Kathy Essenmacher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, infant daughter (Dorothy), one infant grandson, two infant great-grandchildren, sister, Lena (Sylvester) Siemen, and brother, James Essenmacher of Harbor Beach. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2011, in Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church, Harbor Beach with Fr. William Spencer officiating. Burial will be in the St Anthony cemetery in Helena. A scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home, and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor`s choice.

Edward J. Essenmacher

February 7, 1915 - March 17, 2011