Barbara Esenwein

Barbara Jean Esenwein, age 96, passed away on Friday May 26, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Barbara was born in Howard City, Michigan, daughter of Howard and Leafah Lovell.  She graduated from Comstock Park High School Class of 1944.  She was a proud member of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad. Following high school, she started her career as an office administrator.  She worked at Wurzburg Department Store and later retired from State Farm Insurance.

 On December 4, 1948 Barbara was united in marriage to E. Richard (Dick) Esenwein Jr.  They were married at South Congregational Church.  Dick preceded her in death in January of 2012.

They had two daughters. As the girls grew up, Barb and Dick put family first. They were involved in their school activities, they went camping, rode the train to California, visited historical sights and provided them both with a college education. Barb and Dick worked hard to provide the best for their girls.

Barbara was active in community work. She volunteered throughout her life, supporting those organizations that she believed in. She was an actively engaged member at Burton Heights Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her two daughters, Jane Esenwein and Julie (Ken) Zinderman; Grandchildren Julia (Kevin) Sargent, Ryan Mc Creary, Anna (Zachary) Verhulst, and Elliot Zinderman;  Great Grandchildren Kellen and Emily Sargent, Monroe, Marleigh, and Mikah Verhulst; Two sisters Marilyn (Lee) Brenner and Patricia Holtzander, Cousin Marlene Scott, Nephews Ron Brenner, Mark Lovell and Nieces Tami Wagner, Janet Giberson, Karen (John) Drexel and Janice Lovell.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 1, 2023. Family will greet Friends starting at 2pm followed by the Memorial Service at 3pm at The Meeting House at Porter Hills, 3600 E Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice, Attn: Ann Czerney, 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or Give.spectrumhealth.org.  The family extends a very special thank you to each Hospice team member that cared for Barbara. She received the highest level of care possible during her end of life journey.

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