MYLES LEO ESCH

Myles Leo Esch, 86, of Caledonia, MN passed away peacefully, Wednesday, October 26th at his home surrounded by his loving family. Myles was born November 30, 1929 in Caledonia, MN to Valentine and Cyrilla (Klug) Esch. He attended Loretto High School until he decided to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force. He served in the USAF from 1949 - 1954, serving in Germany during the Korean War. He did work as a radio repair man and worked with microwave communications. After being honorably discharged in 1954, Myles returned to Caledonia, MN. Myles then worked in various construction jobs which included employment with Becker Lumber Company, Clarence Guillaume, and Hector Construction. On February 4, 1956, Myles married the love of his life, Marlene Sanden at St. John’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, MN. They were married for 60 years. After his experience in construction, Myles decided to open his own construction business called Esch Builders in 1965. He was a part of this business, that is still in operation, up until his death. The business has been in operation for over 50 years. The work he did consisted of building houses, concrete work, working on dams, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. He was very proud of the business he built from the ground up and was happy to hand the business over to his two sons, Tom and Dick Esch. Myles was a very hard working man. He was extremely proud of the work ethic he helped instill in his children. Myles also enjoyed many other activities. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, spending time socializing with his friends, motorcycling, and especially spending time with his family. He was an active member of the American Legion #191 for 67 years. Myles is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, and his three sons Tom (Ruth) Esch, Dick (Jane) Esch both of Caledonia, and his youngest son Matt (Amy) of Winona, MN. He is also survived by his two daughters Linda Esch (John Larson) and Tina (Paul) Fruechte, both of Caledonia, MN. He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Maria Esch, Hunter and Hope Esch, and Addison and Kennedy Fruechte. Myles is also survived by two sisters Alice Miller of Caledonia, MN and Margie (Odell) Bratland of Chanhassen, MN and one brother Mark (Janice) Esch of Shakopee, MN. He also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many unforgettable friends. Myles was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine and Cyrilla Esch, one son Matthew Mark, a brother-in-law Dennis Miller, and a nephew David Esch. A celebration of Myles’ life will take place at 11:00 am, Monday, October 31 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, MN, with Father Matt Fasnacht officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be from 4 - 8 pm on Sunday, October 30 at St. Mary's Holy Family Hall, Caledonia, with a prayer service at 7 pm. There will be a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the church before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. His family is most grateful for the care and loving support he received from the staff at Gundersen Hospice, and from his very special nurse, Ruth Esch. McCormick Funeral Home is assisting the family. It takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, and a day to love them, but it takes an entire lifetime to forget them. —Anonymous

MYLES LEO ESCH

November 30, 1929 - October 26, 2016