Kenneth Walter Esslinger

Kenneth W. Esslinger, 98, Oshkosh, passed away Friday, October 30, 2015. He was born February 23, 1917, in Oshkosh, son of John and Emma (Bunke) Esslinger. Ken was raised by only his mother, during the great depression. Ken learned how to fend for himself quickly when it came to cooking meals and surviving. He often gathered his own food and cooked it on a hot plate in the basement of his mothers house, so as not to disturb or overwork his mom. Ken never wanted things to be about him, but other people. He was a very selfless man. During his teens and early twenties Ken assisted as manager for the Oshkosh Giants, semi-pro baseball team. Ken enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he played in and managed baseball and basketball games between army camps. He loved sports! Ken was constantly playing with his nephews, serving as their second dad and teaching them all facets of every sport. He also enjoyed many trips with his nephews, driving across the country to see the sites and many nights spent camping in the car. Ken was very active with the Chamber of Commerce, being employed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin Rapids, Eau Claire, Bloomington, IL, and Green Bay. After that he had been employed with the Brown County Arena, and was in charge of organizing all of the major events that were scheduled. Many years later Ken transferred to the Tri County Arena and continued to serve the Fox Valley with his event planning, including the annual home and garden show.At the age of 80 Ken was encouraged by his doctor to start riding a bicycle, which he rode religiously for the past 18 years of his life, putting on more than 60,000 miles!Ken is survived by his sister, Doris Matulle; nephews: Mike (Penny) Matulle, Mark (Darci) Matulle, Todd (Wendy) Matulle, and Steve (Lynn) Tucker; nieces: Lynette (Cliff) Bird, Paula (Keith) Ott, and Bethany Walter; many great nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: David (Rosemary) Esslinger and Lawrence (Lucille) Walter; a brother-in-law, Eldor Matulle; sisters: Marion (Hobart) Tucker, Anita Walter and Dorothea Walter.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2015, at Lake View Memorial Park Chapel, 2786 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh. Entombment will follow. Visitation will be at the chapel from 10:00 a.m. Monday until the time of the service. Full military honors will be performed by members of the U.S. Army and AMVETS Post #7.

Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901

00:00.0
10:00-11:00 a.m.



Lake View Memorial Park

Funeral Service

2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901

00:00.0
11:00 a.m.



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Bvld.
Oshkosh
WI
54901