Joseph R. Oesch, age 93 of Alto, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 27, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Melva Oesch; grandsons, Joseph Robert and Freddie; sisters, Ella Louise Blough, Virginia Schutte, Kate Wheeler, Margaret Oesch; and brother, Ernie Oesch. Joseph is survived by his children, Fredrick (Donna) Oesch, Bonnie (David) Stouffer, Sam (Randi) Oesch, Ken “Peny” (Denise) Oesch, Jeff (Brenda) Oesch, Tom (Michelle) Oesch, Sally (Don) Meyer; sister, Marilyn Byam; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jane) Crosby, Jim Crosby; sisters-in-law, Donna (Sim) Maier, Polly Vanderstel; 25 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, Thea; and many nieces and nephews. Joseph was first and foremost “a servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. He was a lifelong dairy farmer in Alto. Alongside his wife Melva, they owned Oesch Soft Serve Ice-cream Wagon, where he enjoyed serving children ice-cream and skittles. He was known as “Skittleman” by all. Joseph will always be remembered by neighbors out mowing the grass up until the end, as it brought him great joy. Visitation will be Thursday, January 30, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center, 7700 Wingeier Ave. SE, Alto, MI 49302. Funeral services will be Friday, January 31, 10:30 AM at the Apostolic Christian Church, 7157 Wingeier Ave. SE, Alto, MI 49302. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546; Legacies Assisted Living, 9031 North Rodgers, Ct. SE, Caledonia, MI 49316, or the Apostolic Christian Church.
9 Responses
We love you and will miss you, Uncle Joe.
As a little girl, young adult and now as older person, I will always have wonderful memories of both Joe and Melva. They were always so kind to our family. They were amazing mentors to many in our lovely farming community. They have taught us about faith and love. It’s both a privilege and a honor to have known them….
You all are in our thought and prayer. We love you all.
Love and Prayers to the entire Oesch Family. Mr Oesch was such a kind man and admired by many. His warm smile and friendly ways will be missed by many/
Sorry to hear about your loss, Oesch family, but rejoicing that Heaven has gained another soul.
Prayers are with you all as Joe goes home. So happy we were able to visit this summer and see him.
Tom we never met you father. However as we read the tribute to his life he not only lived to the fullest he always lived each and everyday loving his entire family. Your dad had a beautiful smile. WE think you have your dad’s smile. So we hope every time you look in the mirror you think of him and remember how much he loved your family. Just know we are thinking of you in your sorrow and pray it is not long before your heart begins to heal. All Our Love
Pat and Danny
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are for you now and in the coming day’s.
Sincerely,
Eli and Peach
I will always remember the times that we spent together on those hot nights for hours on end, just sitting there and admiring the amount of work that still needs to be done, although we have done so much already.