In Memory
Kenneth D. Eslinger
March 21, 1918 - Feb. 14, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Kenneth D. Eslinger, 90, of South Bend, IN, died on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2009, in his home. Kenneth was born on March 21, 1918, in Bremen, to Elmer W. and Hattie Mae (Cline) Eslinger.
He had lived in South Bend since 1923 and was a 1936 graduate of Riley High School.
Kenneth was the co-owner, with his brother Donald, of Deco Distributors from 1947-1958. He worked for Richmond Wholesale of Goshen, IN, and retired in 1986. He enjoyed working part-time at Mar-Main Pharmacy from 1994 until the time of his death.
Kenny was married for over 50 years to "Peggy, me darlin'," Margaret M. Jeziorski, who preceded him in death on August 25th, 2001. Surviving are two daughters, Mary Rose Eslinger of South Bend, IN, and Anne M. (Michael J.) Ferry of South Bend; two sons, William J. (Laurel L.) Eslinger of Mishawaka, IN, and John K. (Rita J.) Eslinger of South Bend; five grandchildren, Jeffrey M. Eslinger of Washington, D.C., Amy M. (Steven) Soto of Newport Beach, CA, Michael J. DeVleeschower of San Antonio, TX, Michael J. Ferry Jr. and Emily A. Ferry; and one great-grandson, Michael Adrian DeVleeschower. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Arlene Herrli of Goshen, IN, and Jeanette Eslinger; his brother, Robert Eslinger; and his sister-in-law, June Eslinger.
He is survived by one brother, Donald Eslinger of Lakewood Ranch, FL, and brother-in-law, Jack Herrli of Goshen; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 20th, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. After his conversion to Catholicism in 1963, he was a faithful servant-member of Holy Cross Parish.
Kenny was a very proud and decorated Army veteran of WWII, serving in the Italian campaign. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer at the College Football Hall of Fame with nearly 500 hours of service. Kenny was an avid collegiate sports fan, especially Notre Dame football, and also loved the game of baseball and his favorite, the Chicago Cubs. Kenny will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will be remembered for his wonderful zest for life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic Church Renaissance Campaign.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 18, 2009.
06/25/2023 EJS
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