Robert Jack Essler

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service

will be held in the Church that he Built

Trinity Lutheran Church

5520 NE Killingsworth Portland, OR 97218

September 5, 2015 at 11:00 am





Bob is survived by his daughter, Rachel; sons, Craig, Eric, Derwin and Mark; step-daughter, Karen; step-son, Steve; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two wives, Jorene and Millie and his oldest son, Randy.

Bob was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. He was a Great Christian Example of his Faith to All he came into contact with. We will all miss his humor and light-heartedness, as we continue our walk on this earth.

His life was lived to the fullest as an exemplary Lutheran. He served active Naval duty in WWII. He was a Blacksmith and Owner of Rose City Iron Craft, a member of Walther League and an active member in many Churches in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. He headed the remodeling project of Portland Lutheran School on 162nd and Division. He then built Trinity Lutheran Church at 5520 NE Killingsworth (where his Memorial Service, will be held). He spent his retirement, travelling abroad and facilitated and volunteered many hours with other churches through an organization called Laborers for Christ.

Heaven is now Complete and he Is Truly Home!



Old Bob's Parting Message,

"Do no grieve too long. I will miss seeing you as you will, seeing me. I have had a full life and been to many places. I have had good friends that have been close to me for many years. My family has been great and all seem to have full lives and been helpful to others-each in unique ways. That has made me very proud."

I was blessed that twice special ladies consented to become my wife. Jorene Marie for 27 plus years, the mother of my children was a giving person and better than average organist. We enjoyed athletic and other events of six kids through high school. She was very instrumental in helping the high school basketball teams to Pendleton. I am happy her dad urged us to move to Kirkland for a few years. I would not have had the time to spend with the Hulse-clan otherwise. Meeting Millie in Choir was providential for two lonely people. We had more than 17 years together. We enjoyed cruising and traveling to exotic places together; Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Europe. Of course we made a couple of trips to Scobie, Canada, the Southwest States, Texas, and Florida. While working with LFC I helped build this sanctuary, Good Shepherd Home Relocation, Tigard, and Chino Hills. I helped in as many churches to build or remodel in Montana, Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska. "

See you in Heaven!"