Paul Arnold Esch

     Paul Arnold Esch, age 82, of Fowler, Michigan, passed away Friday, December 30, 2022, at Green Acres Retirement Living , Ionia, Michigan. 

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, Michigan, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, Michigan.  Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan, on Monday, January 2, 2023, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.  A Rosary will be prayed 6:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.

     Paul was born in Fowler, Michigan on April 8, 1940, the son Leo and Martha (Hufnagel) Esch.  He married MaryAnn Simon on September 29, 1962, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, Michigan.  They were blessed with fifty-four years of marriage; prior to her passing on January 9, 2017.

   Paul retired from General Motors in Lansing, Michigan after thirty-six years of service. He enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, and playing cards. During the December 14, Christmas party he won three out of four games of setback against his kids. (He got the last laugh!) He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

   He is survived by his children: Leon and Lynda Esch, Glenn and Mary Esch, Steve and Joan Esch, and Donna and Dennis Schneider. He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren and one more on the way; and one brother Julius Esch.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife MaryAnn, two sisters and their spouses:   Julianna and Roy Motz, and Marie and Alfred Hengesbach, two brothers and their spouses: Joseph and Bernice Esch, and Louis and Alice Esch, and one sister-in-law Jane Esch. 

      Memorials may be made to Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.