Ronald M. Esrang

Ronald M. Esrang
Ronald Miller Esrang, 82, of Jim Thorpe, died Monday, May 26, in the Gnaden Huetten Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lehighton. He was the husband of Phyllis (Melber) Esrang.
They were married in St. John Lutheran Church in the Heights section of Jim Thorpe on Nov. 29, 1952, by the late Rev. Walter K. Hauser. Ron was a son of the late John and Adele (Miller) Esrang. He graduated with honors from the former Mauch Chunk High School in 1950.He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Jim Thorpe, where he served on the council for more than 25 years.
Ron signed a contract with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1951. He played his first year in Harrisburg, where he was chosen the most popular player by the fans. He also played with the American Legion teams in Lehighton. He played several more years of baseball, but, in between, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953-55.
He was stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C., where he served in the 503rd Military Police Battalion.
Ron then got a job at the Mauch Chunk Post Office, where he started as a clerk. He worked his way up to postmaster, a position he held for 12 years.
As most people know, Ron was a longtime Yankee baseball fan.
He managed the Babe Ruth Baseball team for 12 years. He enjoyed working with the kids.
Ron also enjoyed playing golf. He especially liked playing in tournaments with his grandson Jimmy.
Ron was inducted into the Jim Thorpe Sports Hall of Fame, Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame and Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame with his Legion team of 1948. He was chosen "Man of the Year" by the Jim Thorpe Olympian Booster Club for his work with the youth in town.
He was a life member of the Diligent Fire Co. No. 3 and American Legion Post 304, both of Jim Thorpe, and the Carbon Lodge No. 242, F. and A.M.
He served on the authority board at the Carbon County Technical Institute (Vo-Tech) for 32 years, where he had a restaurant named in his honor for his years of service.
Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter Debra, wife of Ronald Reis, and a grandson, James Borosh, both of Jim Thorpe; and two nieces, Jane and Elizabeth Esrang.
He was also predeceased by a brother.
Service: Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 30, Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, 524 Center St., Jim Thorpe; church service 11 a.m., St. John Lutheran Church, 319 South Ave., Jim Thorpe, with the Revs. F. Peter Muhr and Kenneth Melber officiating. Interment with military honors, Evergreen Cemetery, Jim Thorpe. Call 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Contributions in his name may be made to the church, 18229. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at St. John Lutheran Church.