May God bless you and your...
A wonderful man who left this world way too early!
Nelda
August 08, 2025 | Friend


Anchorage, Alaska
1945 - 2016
Ben Esch, retired Alaska Superior Court Judge in Nome, died on April 25, 2016 in Seattle, Wash., of leukemia at age 71. He was born on Jan. 4, 1945, to Robert and Ida Esch in Washington, Ill. After graduating from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill., he received his law degree from Arizona...
Read MoreA wonderful man who left this world way too early!
Nelda
August 08, 2025 | Friend
I think about you often. You were one of a kind a man with such wisdom and grace. Your fairness always impressed me. Thanks for you friendship. You will never be forgotten
Nelda Johnson
August 04, 2023 | Friend
Janna, I was very shocked to read of your loss. I know we have lost touch over the years but know you have passed my thoughts many times. Ben gave me a compliment many, many years ago and even put it in writing to the Superintendent of the facility. I was so very touched and have never forgotten the ray of sunshine he gave me for just doing my job. It was a special moment for me that I have never forgotten. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Melanie A Edwards
August 12, 2016 | Anchorage, AK
I knew Ben when he was in private practice in the 80's and sat next to him for the Great Alaska Shootout for upwards of 15 years. Great lawyer, great judge, great guy. He is already sorely missed by many. He was someone to aspire to be like.
Raymond Royce
August 11, 2016 | Anchorage, AK
Judge Esch was a great judge. Fair, impartial, and caring. He loved Nome and the region, and was happy to call Nome home. He passed way to early. Nome would have continued to benefit in many different ways if he had more time to impart his influence as a civilian. God speed Judge Esch, and condolences to Jana. I so appreciate his counseling as I made a career switch many years ago. All rise for His Honor.
Gail Schubert
August 11, 2016 | Anchorage, AK
Ben was what the Irish call "a dear, dear, man" He was good. He was funny. He was supportive of good causes and adored his wife. The world isa little less with him gone.
Lana Creer-Harris
August 10, 2016
Ben was a good man and good neighbor to my parents. He was a great teacher when I got to talk with him and his witty sense of humor was what I will remember the most. Love to Jana and the family.
Jake Kenick
August 10, 2016 | Nome, AK
I cannot convey how much I respected and admired Judge Ben Esch he was the most fair, progressive and compassionate person in both his professional and personal life I have ever met. I had the honor of being able to work with Judge Esch and to call him my friend. Jana I love you all and I wish I lived closer to be able to give you my shoulder to lean on but I am only a call away! Love you
Nelda Johnson
August 10, 2016 | Redding, CA
Ben Esch was one cool dude. He graced the earth with his presence. God speed to your next mission counsel.
Tracy Jones
August 10, 2016 | Anchorage