Kathleen Marie Essenberg's Obituary
Kathleen Marie Essenberg, age 72, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021 at her home following a brief battle with cancer. She was born April 25, 1949 in Muskegon to Theodore L. and Helen D. (Larson) Lund and lived in the area her entire life. On June 8, 1968, she married Gary A. Essenberg in Muskegon whom she met in Kindergarten at Little Black Lake School. Kathleen worked as a delivery driver for FedEx and retired in 2011 after 18 years of service. She attended Harvest Church in Spring Lake where she volunteered with the children’s ministry, crafts group, and was a greeter. She was formerly a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. Kathleen was a very talented pianist, flutist and singer and she shared these many talents with several churches over the years. Kathleen and Gary enjoyed riding on their Goldwing while Kathleen took pictures of the scenery. Their longest trip was 726 miles in one day. Kathleen was very crafty and crocheted many items to benefit Relay for Life and the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Gary and Kathleen spent the last 9 winters in Haines City, FL, and have made many dear friends over the years. Survivors include her loving husband, Gary Essenberg; 3 children, Renee (Robert) Essenberg Huff, Wendy Essenberg, Paul Essenberg; 5 grandchildren, Alyssa Grelewicz, Joshua Buning, Trevor (Elleni Goranitis) Grelewicz, Isabella Buning, Lydia Buning; 4 sisters, Carma Jean (Lysle) Johnson, Doreen (John) Byers, Charlene (Gary) Mosley, Cheryl (Rick) Larman; 1 brother, Cliff (Marge) Lund; 3 brothers-in-law, Tim (Marilyn) Essenberg, Lynn (Jackie) Essenberg, Ron (Lyndie) Essenberg, 5 sisters-in-law, Debbie Kleyn, Dawn (Randy) Breigel, Sheila (Gerry) Crenno, Lori (Craig) Nedeau, Pam (Charlie) Lander; and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Jessica Huff, her in-laws, Calvin and Jeanne Essenberg, and 2 brothers-in-law, Dave Kleyn and Marvin Holmes. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, May 14, 2021 at Harvest Church of Spring Lake (225 E Exchange St., Spring Lake, MI 49456) with Pastor Craig Gurr officiating. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Thursday at Harvest Church Café. Facial coverings and social distancing will be required. Interment will take place at Norton Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Christian Motorcyclists Association (www.cmausa.org). Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?
