Michael Esler

Michael Lee Esler, 71, of Duluth, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at The North Shore Estates. He was born on July 19, 1947 to Michael M. and Margaret J. Esler in Joliet, IL. Mike’s family moved to Duluth in the mid 1950’s where Mike’s mother operated the Candle Light Restaurant in West Duluth. Mike was a proud 1965 graduate of Denfeld High School and attended UMD, earning a BA degree in History. Mike married Jean Haasl in Babbitt, MN on July 31, 1971. Mike worked at UMD for 38 years, retiring in 2012, as the Auxiliary Services Supervisor. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Funeral Mass server and active with the Friers of St. Francis.  Mike enjoyed golfing, bowling, baseball, softball and fishing. He was an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes, history buff, Mafia buff and shopper. Mike was a reluctant traveler, but enjoyed traveling to see his children in Las Vegas and England. He was preceded in death by his parents; his cousin, Billy Brencich in Vietnam; his mother-in-law, Marie Haasl; his best friend, Joe Michela; Mike will be sadly missed by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Michelle (Dale) Uttke of Port Washington, WI and Angela (Christopher) Whelan of Ellsworth, WI; a son, Lt Col Joseph (Alyson) Esler, USAF, of Las Vegas; six grandchildren, Rebecca Uttke, Kai and Ani Whelan, Lily, Molly and Finley Esler; his father-in-law, Joseph Haasl of Babbitt, MN; his in-laws, Daniel and Colleen Haasl, Marian and John Klobuchar, Michael and Mickie Haasl, Andrew and Beth Haasl and Dolores and Matt Lehman; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his cats, Pumpkin and Zoey. Visitation 10 a.m. with Rosary Prayers at 10:30, followed by the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass, Monday, February 18, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 West 3rd Street. Rev Fr. Ryan Moravitz officiating. Burial in Oneota Cemetery. Memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church or Animal Allies would be appreciated. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.