Anthony J. "Tony" Esper Sr.

TRAVERSE CITY — Anthony J. "Tony" Esper Sr., 87, a former 20-year resident of Canadian Lakes near Remus, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at the home of his son, Tony Jr., in Traverse City.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Edna; one daughter and five sons; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers.

Tony suffered from Parkinson's disease for over 12 years and had been under 24-hour home care for the past six years. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Parkinson's Support Group, 10049 E. Grandview Ct., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Tony served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942-45 in General Patton's Fourth Armored Division. He fought in four major battles, including the Battle of Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge), the turning point in the war against the German Army.

A memorial mass will be celebrated by Tony's brother, Fr. Tom Esper, at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at Saint Michael Church in Remus, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Cremation has taken place and interment, with military honors, will be at St. Michael Cemetery after Mass. A luncheon will follow.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Tony's home, 2200 Pinehurst Trail (also called Salon Rd.) in Traverse City on Tuesday, April 18 from 4 until 8 p.m. Please call 929-9613 for directions.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.