Jay L. Eshenroder

Jay Eshenroder passed away on January 31, 2026, at his home in Monroe, MI. He was born on June 17, l938 in Monroe to Lyle and Irma (Boehm) Eshenroder.

After graduating from Monroe High School, Jay attended the University of Toledo, graduating with a bachelor's degree. He then went to work for the Social Security Administration, spending most of his career as the manager of the Ironwood MI Branch Office, where he was esteemed as an exacting but fair boss. His widely known office philosophy was, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Upon retiring, he relocated to Marquette MI, where he went back to school, earning a master's degree from Northern Michigan University.

Eventually, wishing to escape winter, he moved to Scottsmoor, FL for several years. But he missed the North and returned to Michigan to live out his last years in Monroe, where his life's journey had begun.

Jay was a born leader, and during his time in Ironwood he was deeply involved in community service, most notably as an Ironwood City Commissioner. His interests and hobbies were wide-ranging and diligently pursued. He loved grouse-hunting, fishing, model railroading, woodworking, photography, gardening, teaching Bible classes, playing euchre, the U.P.--and, especially, dogs.

His favorite times were those spent roaming the U.S. and Canada in an RV with his wife and his dogs. Best of all was 'family camp' each August when his ever-expanding family of children and grandchildren (and all their dogs!) would join them for a week of euchre-playing and outdoor adventures.

Jay will be remembered for his ready wit, for his readiness to expound eloquently on many topics, and for his sincere and unfailing generosity to those less fortunate; but mostly for being that person you can always depend on. He was filled with love for his God, for his wife, for his children and grandchildren, and for his dogs--all of his dogs, through all the years.

Jay is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara (Bertini), and by his daughters Ann (Craig) Savonen, Gould City MI; Lisa (Bill) Woolley, Broken Arrow OK; Celina (Dan) Bowman, Swartz Creek MI; a stepson, Michael (Christina) Morrison, Beaver Dam KY; eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren--plus one on the way. He is also survived by his brothers Randy (Janet) Eshenroder of Ann Arbor MI; Don (Nancy) Eshenroder of Celebration FL; his sister-in-law Janice Eshenroder of Monroe MI; and his special cousin, Dianne (Geary) Goodman, also of Monroe.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his brother Mark Eshenroder and his great grandson, Elijah Woolley.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe MI.

At his request, Jay's remains have been cremated. A private celebration and remembrance of his life will be held at a future date.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jay may do so at one of the many charities he supported:

H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter, P.O. Bx 261, Ironwood MI 49938, hopeanimalshelter.org

Oaks of Righteousness, 544 Rambow Dr., Monroe MI. 48161, oaksvillage.harnessgiving.org

Heartbeat of Monroe, 924 E 2nd St., Monroe MI 48161, heartbeatofmonroe.org

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page atwww.bacarellafuneralhome.com.