Obituary of Cpl. Christopher E. Esckelson

ESCKELSON, Cpl. Christopher E. U.S.M.C,\ Vassar, Michigan\ \ Age 22, gave his life for his country while defending his fellow Marines on Thursday, December 28, 2006 in Fallujah, Iraq. Christopher was born December 30, 1983 in Saginaw the son of David E. Esckelson and Michelle M. "Mitzia Lich. He attended St. Michaelas Lutheran School in Richville prior to transferring to Vassar High School, graduating in 2002. During High School he played football for four years at defensive tackle, baseball for four years as an outfielder and catcher and basketball for two years. He was also a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Richville and the Frankenmuth Bible Church and had been employed with Zhenderas, Abercrombie & Fitch and Wolverine Human Resources. In October of 2002, Christopher joined the US Marine Corp Reserve and then attended Delta College at all three campuses in Bay City, Saginaw and Midland desiring to become a doctor, prior to being called to active duty in April of 2006. He was extremely proud when he became a Marine and he believed 110% in service and dedication to his country. Christopher was an avid hunter and fisherman and he enjoyed camping. He was a "go-gettera and a natural leader. He will be missed by all who his life touched.\ \ Left to cherish his memory are his father: David E. Esckelson of Vassar, mother: Michelle M. "Mitzia and husband Christopher Hill of Vassar, brother: Craig E. Esckelson and girlfriend Heather Curtis and their daughter, Hailee Marie all of Vassar, sister: Kerry M. Esckelson of Vassar, two stepsisters: Rachel and Laurin Hill both of Vassar, Christopheras girlfriend of three years: Samantha Reasner of Owosso, two grandmothers: Esther Esckelson and Esther Lich both of Vassar, special childhood friends that attended St. Michaelas: Scott Janson of Reese, Terry Sella of Auburn Hills, Vassar High School friend: John MacArthur, Marine brother: Todd Pirich, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.\ \ Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Lawrence Esckelson and Henry Lich.\ \ Christopheras funeral service will take place 2:00pm, Sunday, January 7, 2007 at the Vassar High School Auditorium with Pastor Nathan Mains officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the United States Marine Corp. Visitation will take place at the Vassar High School Auditorium on Saturday, from 10:00am to 8:00pm with family present to receive friends from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm and on Sunday morning from 11:00am until the time of service at 2:00pm. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to a special fund set up in Christopheras name. Envelopes will be available at the high school.\