Harold Edward Essmaker, Jr.

Harold Edward Essmaker, Jr. age 89 of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away on July 28, 2022, at Hospice of the EUP “Hospice House”.

Harold was born on March 10, 1933, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to the late Harold Edward and Bertha Barbara (Krutsch) Essmaker Sr. He was a graduate of Mt. Clemens High School with the class of 1954.

“Whosoever”: That word, spoken by the guitar playing preacher on TV, touched Harold as nothing ever had. From the truth of John 3:16, Harold realized that “Whosoever” was him and that God loved him enough to send His only son to die in Harold’s place. He spent his life growing in that love and planting it into others. After Army basic training, Harold married Jean Dunkelberg in 1953. They welcomed the first of 6 children in 1955. As an entrepreneur, he grew roses professionally, becoming one of the top growers in the world. He owned various businesses including the Dairy Queen in the “Soo”. He also had his own 15-minute radio broadcast of gospel music for several years. Following Jean’s passing in 1993, He married Gail Scribner in 1996 and they began a new season in the Lord volunteering together. They opened their home for Bible Studies and treasured his years as a volunteer minister at the Hospice of the EUP. Regardless of duty, time, or place, Harold sowed the love of God into the lives of those around him. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and faithfulness. He truly lived out Psalm 126:6 “He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Harold is survived by his wife: Gail Joy (Scribner) Essmaker; children: Harold (Gail Marie) Essmaker III of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Susan Essmaker of Mt. Clemens, MI, Donna (Craig) Lively Petoskey, MI, Paul (Terrie) Essmaker of Navarre, FL, David (JoAnne) Essmaker of Gaylord, MI; stepchildren: Troy (Jennifer) Zarcone of Quincy, Mass, Lora (Anthony) Clark of Crestwold, KY; 11 grandchildren 3 step grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and first wife of 40 years: Jean (Dunkelberg) Essmaker Jr; daughter: Brenda Grafmiller. Harold was also preceded in death by his sisters: June Kulzer and Barbara (James) Leahey.

Memorial may be left to Hospice of the EUP.