Mr. James M Essenberg's Obituary
James M. Essenberg, age 83 of Fruitport, passed away at home on Friday, November 29, 2019. Jim was born August 3, 1936 to John and Mildred (Carlson) Essenberg in Muskegon. He graduated from Muskegon High School and served his country in the US Army. On March 12, 1960, he married Eilean McCrea, who preceded him in death on October 19, 1973. He worked in production control at CWC Textron and Oliver Machinery and retired from AGS in 1998. He was a Past President of the Fruitport Lions Club and a member of Fruitport Congregational Church. He enjoyed bowling, golf and spending the summer at his beloved cottage on Big Blue Lake. He is survived by his wife, Lorri. They were blessed to celebrate 44 years of marriage on November 21st. They enjoyed many trips together including Branson, the Gulf and West coasts and Hawaii. Jim is also survived by his children, Gretchen (Ron) Elder, Philip Hunt, Meghan Cook, Jeff Hunt and Bronwyn (Andrew) Steffen; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Louis) Dudeck and brother, Robert (Donna) Essenberg. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Jean Locke and Camille Coston. Memorial Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Fruitport Congregational Church or Fruitport Lions Club. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, August 15, from 1-4 PM at Pomona Park, 93 S. Third St., Fruitport, 49415. Service and time of sharing will begin at 1:30 PM. The family requests that everyone adhere to social distancing and the wearing of masks. Share memories with the family at Jim’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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