Myron Essebaggers

Myron C. Essebaggers was a man of determination who could accomplish any task he set his mind to. He had an adventurous spirit and a laid-back approach to life, which gave him many opportunities to change the lives of those around him. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Myron spent his days providing generosity to the people he loved. Myron was able to learn many lessons through his life experiences, and graciously shared his understanding of the world with his friends and family. 1914 was a year of turmoil for many. The First World War began overseas, which would soon effect the lives of so many Americans. In Muskegon, Michigan, Isaac and Kate (Olthof) Essebaggers were expecting some life changes of their own--the birth of a son. Myron finally arrived on March 4, 1914, and would be the second youngest of eight children--six boys and two girls. With so many older siblings to look up to, Myron quickly learned how to help out around the house. His father was a machine operator for Shaw Box Crane, and set an example of hard work for his children during his 75 years of work. Myron's mother was a homemaker, and modeled kindness and generosity to her children. An eager student, Myron attended Muskegon Public Schools, graduating in February of 1934. While in school he began to play the violin at the request of his mother, but Myron had other plans for himself. He decided one day to simply leave his violin in his locker and instead applied himself to more adventurous activities. Myron was always a very active and hands-on kind of person, and he soon began working in the celery flats to keep busy and earn extra money. He and his brother Ernst also had a considerably large newspaper route, delivering the Chronicle to many families in Muskegon. Myron's love of adventure would take him to even greater extremes, and even lead to a hitchhiking trip all the way to New York City! He would ride along mostly with truckers, making friends every step of the way. Myron was able to network with the truckers to arrange that they "traded him off" at truck stops. With little money during his journey, Myron had most of his meals paid for by his trucker friends. Once in New York City, Myron was able to stay with his brother, Ted, who was a minister there. Myron had a special interest in architecture, which made New York City an especially beautiful place to him. Spending most of the winter there, he worked in dime stores to get by. Myron wasn't the kind of person who worried about material things. He was happy just to go through life with what he had and was always thankful for each experience he had. After returning to Muskegon (by Greyhound bus this time), Myron met the love of his life. While downtown Muskegon with friends, he spotted a group of girls who had just gotten out of the evening services at Calvary Baptist Church. As they all mingled with each other, Myron had a special liking of Edna Herlein, who was more shy than her friends. Myron befriended her and asked her out on a date, beginning a lifelong love and friendhsip between the two. Since the Great Depression didn't allow for much spending money, the couple would go out to ice cream for dates quite often. They had ice cream so often that Edna began to tire of it! Lucky for Myron, however, she never grew tired of him. The couple only fell more deeply in love as they spent more and more time together, and were eventually married on June 3, 1937. The new married couple would soon have a growing family, as well, with the births of two beautiful sons, Jerry and Richard. To support his family, Myron found employment at Crane Works, and then got involved in home delivery with Briggs Dairy. After that he moved on to Quality Beverage where Myron would often take Jerry with him to do his milk and pop routes, sometimes trading drinks with stores and soon becoming very fond of chocolate milk. Myron then made one final switch to a position at Muskegon Public Schools doing janitorial work. Myron would work there for over 25 years, showing his dedication to the school district and to the children who went to school there. The Essebaggers family would enjoy many camping trips over the years, sleeping in tents out in the wilderness while enjoying each other's company. They eventually would have three motor homes over the years, providing the family with many cherished memories. In the winter, tobogganing was a source of joy for the family. Myron could always find something for the family to do, and never grew tired of entertaining his two energetic boys. He enjoyed moments of relaxation, as well, watching Lawrence Welk on the television in the evening. The family attended Bethel Baptist Church of Norton Shores for many years, providing the family with a spiritual and peaceful outlook on life and allowing them to be grateful for what they had. Myron enjoyed Saturday morning breakfast outings with his best friend Bill Vanderstelt, who was like a third son to him. He also loved to spend time with his cocker spaniel, Taffy, who was given to Myron and Edna by their son, Richard, when he went into the military. Retiring from Muskegon Public Schools in 1978, Myron had more time for family and friends. He adored each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and spoiled them each chance he got. As Myron's health declined, it was his greatest joy to see his family and to know that he was passing on a legacy of hard work and determination. He sadly died on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at the age of 94. Myron's life was one of great adventure, and he lived every moment to the fullest. He did everything to the fullest extent, sharing his love with his family each step of the way. He was a hard working family man, a loving husband and father whose memory will live on in all who knew him. He will be so deeply missed. Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Edna; 2 sons, Jerry (Patricia) Essebaggers of Fruitport, Richard Essebaggers of Thornton, CO; 4 grandchildren, Susan (Don) Hackney, Kevin Essebaggers, Kurt (Louisa) Essebaggers, Marci (Ed) Kokai; 2 great grandchildren; brother, Ernest Essebaggers of Muskegon. Services will be held Thursday, September 4, 2008, 11:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, Norton Shores with Pastor Doug VanderMolen officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign Myron's online guest book.