Ira D. Esch

Mr. Ira David Esch, age 89, of Mio, died Monday, May 10, 2010, at his home.  Ira was born on the Esch family farm in Mio, Michigan on December 4, 1920, son of the late Menno and Nettie (Yoder) Esch.  He married Velma Swartzendruber on June 2, 1946 in Pigeon, MI.  He took over the family farm from his father Menno.  Ira was a lifetime member of the Fairview Mennonite Church, where he was active as a Sunday school teacher, a church elder, and often led singing.  He was also active in many community activities and was a Charter Member of the County Mennonite Relief Sale.  Ira was an avid fisherman.  He also enjoyed woodworking and gardening.Ira is survived by his wife Velma of Mio; his children:  Merrill (Benjie) Esch of New Paris, IN; Sally (John) Longacre of Fairview, MI; John (Linda) Esch of Mio, MI; Leslie Esch of Mio, MI; Mark Marvin Esch of Gilbert, AZ; and Marjorie Esch of West Branch, MI; his brother Floyd Esch; his sister-in-law Luella Esch; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Phillip; 4 sisters: Lily, Esther, Velma, and Ellen; and 3 brothers:  Reuben, Chriss, and Claude.Visitation Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 5-9 PM at Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, Michigan; and again from 10 AM until the time of Funeral Services at 11 AM on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Fairview Mennonite Church, Fairview , Michigan with Pastors Eldon Krider and Virgil Hershberger officiating.  Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview.Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee ""MCC"" (Northern Michigan Relief Sale); P.O. Box 73; Fairview, MI 48621.Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.