Karl Lee Essenburg

Karl Essenburg, age 89, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Karl was a member of Christ Memorial Church, taught for West Ottawa Schools and Grand Valley State University. He retired after 48 years as an educator. He impacted many of his students and their future careers into medicine. He was an amazing father, who worked hard and provided well for his children. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved to joke around with them but more importantly, he loved Jesus and made it known to his entire family. He was loved and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn Essenburg; daughter, Jodi and Paul Koning; daughter, Cindy and Mike Smith; son, Brian and Pat Essenburg; daughter, Vicki and Dick Nuiver; grandchildren, Brad and Jill Koning (Ella, Kipton, Graham), Betsy and Jake Wiersema (Lily, William, Elsie, Andrew), Kylee and Drew Lampen, Taylor Smith, Madison Smith, Zach and Casey Essenburg (Rowan, Remi), Michelle Essenburg & Chad DeWilde (Sophia, Chloe), Cara and Jared Van Order (Quinn, Easton, Willow), Josh and Julia Nuiver (Eleanor, Theodore, Lucy), Mitchel Nuiver; sister, Kathy and Doug Cook; sister-in-law, Marcia and Arlyn Lanting; brother-in-law, Ken and Joni LaGrand; sister-in-law, Donna and Joe Malaukas; brother-in-law, David and Lonnie LaGrand; and nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Visitation with the family is 12:00-12:45pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Christ Memorial Church in the Rotunda, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland, MI 49423.
A Memorial Service will be the same day at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland, MI 49423 with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Brown officiating.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Karl's honor may be given to Hospice of Holland at www.hospiceofholland.org or by mail to 270 Hoover Blvd. Holland, MI 49423. www.langelandsterenberg.com