Bernice Esch

Bernice M. Esch died Thursday, February 11, 2011 at the age of 78. Born in Westphalia Township, February 1, 1933, the daughter of Harold and Viola (Simon) Platte and lived in the Pewamo area most of her life. Bernice was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo and the Ladies Auxiliary of V.F.W.Post #3733, The Portland River Hatters, and several card clubs. She married Joseph P. Esch in Westphalia on Feb. 24, 1954 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 2002. Throughout her life, Bernice enjoyed playing piano and cards, visiting people, parties, flowers, deer hunting, the great outdoors, and salt and pepper shakers.

Bernice is survived by one son, Robert Esch , five sisters, Kathleen Miller, Joann (Frank) Koenigsknecht, Rose Marie (Herman) Gensterblum, Ellen (Ken) Bailey, and Ann (Paul) Thelen, two brothers, Armon (Joanne) Platte, and Bernard (Sharon) Platte, in-laws, Charlotte Platte, Marguerite Platte, Julius (Jane) Esch, Paul (Mary Ann) Esch, Marie (Alfred) Hengesbach, and the Kramer Kids, Janet, Donna, Bev, Don, Gary and Sherrie. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Jerry, Edward, (Shirley), Delbert, and Beatrice Platte, in-laws, Louis and Alice Esch, Roy and Juliann Motz, and Herman Miller. Special thanks to: The compassionate and attentive caregivers at Heartland Health Care of Ionia and also the Heartland Hospice team, who provided so many vital services to keep her as comfortable as possible through her long illness. They were a great source of comfort to her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason presiding. The family will receive friends Monday, from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler with rosaries being prayed Monday 8 p.m. and Tuesday 3 p.m. with a scripture service being prayed Tuesday at 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to V.F.W. Post #3733 or St. Joseph Educational Trust Fund.