Clara G. Essenmacher

Mrs. Clara G. Essenmacher, 89 of Ruth, passed away Monday Morning, April 19, 2021 at Meadow Lane Assisted Living Facility in Bad Axe.

            She was born on March 20, 1932 in Palms to the late William and Lucy (Partaka) Zdrojewski.  She married John Essenmacher on September 9, 1950 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. He preceded her in death on September 27, 1991.

            Clara was a graduate of Deckerville High School. She worked for Bell Telephone in Detroit and was also employed at the Ruth State Bank.  Clara was employed at the Ruth Post office after 25 years of service, leaving as Postmaster when she retired. She was a parishioner of Holy Apostles Parish, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth where she was a member of the parish council, the Christian Mothers Confraternity and taught catechism. Clara was a member of the Daughters of Isabella Fidelis Regina Circle #608. Clara was an amazing seamstress and loved quilting. She enjoyed gardening and word searches. Clara cherished time spent traveling with her family, especially to Hawaii.

            Clara is survived by her two daughters, Janet (Bernie) Nieman of Gaylord, Carol (Rick) Stevens of Venice, Fla.; three sons, Steven (Mary) Essenmacher of Bad Axe, Paul (Sherry) Essenmacher of Bad Axe, Jeff (Christina) Essenmacher of Macomb; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Gentner, Doreen Corby, Judy Peterson and her husband Richard, Marilyn Auberle and her husband, Bob.

            She was preceded in death by one son, David; four brothers, Eddie and his wife, Bernita, Jimmy, Daniel and his wife, Louise, Anthony “Whitey” and his wife, Doris, three sisters, Florence Hammil and her husband, Cecil, Grace Graff her husband, Ed, and Lucille Tepper and her husband, Al; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Margaret and LaVerne Schock, Don Gentner, Greg Corby.

            Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. Rev. Matthew Federico will officiate. Clara will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, John, in the Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Ruth

            Visitation will be at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth on Saturday from 10:00-10:45 am.

            Please consider making a donation in Clara’s memory to the charity of your choice.