Gerald Harvey "Jerry" Eschtruth

Gerald "Jerry"Harvey Eschtruth, 90 years of age, and a resident of Amherst Township, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023, at his home following a long and full life.Jerry was born November 19, 1932, in Elyria and graduated from Amherst Central High School in the class of 1950. Jerry spent his life in Amherst Township working its soil. Whether as a young man farming on the family homestead or owning and operating Eschtruth Wrecking and Excavating since the early 1960s, Jerry was always working. He never really retired but continued to work until he was 81. He was a fair and honest business man to those who called for his services, and he even used his excavating skill to create wildlife habitat.He proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Antietam. When he wasn't working, Jerry loved NASCAR, stock car racing, and the Lorain County Speedway. He held the track record at the speedway until the track was transformed from dirt to asphalt. He was an avid Model A enthusiast, WWII history buff, and enjoyed a fair amount of trap and skeet shooting. He supported and attended Elyria First United Methodist Church.Survivors include his wife of sixty-four years and partner in the business, Janet Lee Eschtruth (nee: Swan); his children, Thomas Gerald Eschtruth of Amherst Township and Carol (Mark) Dodd of Elyria Township; three grandchildren, Jacob (Elizabeth), Jennifer (Jordan), Juliann; and one great grandson, Carson.Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth LaFon and his parents, Harvey George and Lucile Eschtruth (nee: Brucker)A celebration of life service will be held at a future date.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Elyria First United Methodist Church , 312 3rd St., Elyria OH 44035 or to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.