Howard W. Eslien Sr., 85, Chute Lake, died Tuesday afternoon, April 13, 1999 at Woodland, Village Nursing Home in Suring.
He was born June 3, 1913 in, Milwaukee to Eugene and Marie (Model) Eslien. He was raised in Milwaukee and attended Marquette High School and the University, graduating from Marquette Law School in 1938. Following graduation, he moved to Oconto Falls where he started his law career.
On June 15, 1940 he married Bernice M. Warth in Milwaukee. Following their marriage the couple moved to Oconto Falls where Howard practiced law for 42 years, including four years as the Oconto County District Attorney. Howard was very active in Boy Scouts where he was a leader and Scoutmaster for 20 years. During this time he served as District Council chairman and was the recipient of many awards including the Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver. His community involvement included leadership positions on the Community Memorial Hospital Board, the Jaycees, Kiwanis and Elks Club. He was an active member in St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Oconto Falls and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He also served as president of the Holy Name Society as well as the Parish Council. Howard was selected to be on the Green Bay Diocese Speakers Bureau and the Bishop's Advisory Board. He further enjoyed many outdoor activities including his hobby of raising purebred Suffolk sheep, hunting and fly fishing. He gave generously of his time to the area's young people throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice Eslien of Chute Lake, his three children and their families, Atty. Howard J. and Marilyn Eslien of Oconto Falls and their family, Tanya, Mei Ling and Tiffany Eslien and grandchild, Madyson Eslien; Dean and Mary Ellen "M.E." Eslien, of Abrams, and their children, Heidi (Tom) Kitslaar, Dean Jr., Scott and Robert Eslien, and grandchildren, Hannah, Joseph and Benjamin Kitslaar; Marianne Rider of Woodridge, IL and her children, Julie, Sarah, Annie and Katie Rider.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Robert; one grandson, Kurt W. Eslien on January 13, 1999 and one son-in-law, Daniel Rider.
Visitation was held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Oconto Falls after 4:00 p.m. Friday until the time of services. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the church with Frs. Arthur Danks and Wm. Stengel concelebrating. Burial in the church cemetery.
Jones Funeral Service of Oconto Falls served the Eslien family.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established in memory of Howard Eslien.