Leon Esckelson

Leon E. Esckelson, age 79 years, of Chambers Rd., Caro, died on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 19, 1926 in Vassar, the son of Chrissie and Izora (Cole) Esckelson. Leon attended Rutherford School and graduated from Vassar High School. In June of 1947 he married the former Helen Harbin at the Wahjamega Country Church. He was employed at United Plastics in Vassar for 29 years, Thumb Plastics in Bad Axe for 7 years, and farmed on the side with his sons on a dairy and cash crop operation. The land was not only a job, but also a love, as was his charter membership at the Wahjamega Country Church. He also enjoyed hunting and the out-of-doors. In addition to his wife, Helen, he is survived by six children and their spouses, Roger Esckelson of Amelia Island, Florida, Eugene (Kathleen) Esckelson of Caro, Deborah (Raymond) Geraldo of Caro, Leon P. Esckelson of Amelia Island, Florida, Sheila (Jeff) Hallahan of Lake Orion, and Teri (Rick) Hill of Davison; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six siblings; and several nieces and nephews. One brother and one sister, Larry Esckelson and Irene Esckelson, preceded him in death. The funeral will be held at the Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Allen Stebbins officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Vassar. Visitation will be at the Collon Funeral home on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Rich Bible Church Radio Ministry or the American Cancer Society.