Fred Esslair
June 5th, 1931 - August 13th, 2012
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Fred's Obituary
Fred Lewis Esslair passed away in the confidence of eternity with our Lord on August 13, 2012 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, MI.
He was born on June 5, 1931 to Fontella and Fred Esslair in Lawrenceburg, IN.Fred served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1954 through 1956. He graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he distinguished himself in varsity basketball as one of the “Firemen Five”. He earned his bachelors degree from Western Michigan University. In 1955, he married his beloved wife of 37 years, Shirley Somers Esslair of Kalamazoo, MI. The two lived in Grand Rapids, MI until retiring to South Haven, MI. Shirley passed away in 1992.
Fred loved his family, friends, life and entertaining. He delighted in his grandchildren and enjoyed fishing and following sports. He was an avid WMU fan and had attended 50 Bronco Homecomings. Fred also enjoyed his occupation of industrial sales. With the spirit of a true entrepreneur, he could talk about business, politics and history for hours. He had a wonderful sense of optimism and humor and to the end of his days made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a member of Hope Reformed Church and the American Legion in South Haven.
The surviving family includes his dear companion Marilyn Itzen of South Haven, MI; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Brent Slezak of Richland, MI; a son and daughter-in-law, Frederick and Lori Esslair of Lansing, MI; and grandchildren, Grant Slezak of Phoenix, AZ, Braden and Caitlin Slezak of Chicago, IL and Charlotte Slezak of Richland, MI.
Fred will be laid to rest next to his wife in a private ceremony at Riverview Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI on Friday August 17, 2012. A memorial service will be held at Filbrandt Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday August 23, 2012 in South Haven, MI. Following the service, friends are invited to gather at the South Haven American Legion for refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to consider making them to Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, MI.
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