Clarence Esser Obituary

CLARENCE “CHUCK” ESSER
February 9, 1928 ˜ October 6, 2018

Loved by all who knew him and forever remembered by his wife and children. Whenever we miss you, we will look inside our hearts, and there you will be.
Chuck was born to Clarence Esser and Lottie (Ludwig) Esser on February 9, 1928 in Camas, Washington. He spent his childhood and school years there and graduated from Washougal High School in 1946.
Chuck joined the Navy after high school during WW II. He served in Hawaii as an aid to Admiral Radford and in Tsingtao, China aboard the U.S.S. Dixie.
After his years of service, Chuck spent time in Las Vegas selling cars and then did a stent in Los Angeles working at the Biltmore Hotel before returning to the Northwest and settling back down in the Camas / Vancouver area. He also taught classes at the Arthur Murray School of Dance!
Chuck spent most of his professional career with Crown Zellerbach/James River as had his parents and grandparents before him. He worked primarily in environmental services in the research lab. He retired in 1990 after 30 years, having never called in sick a single day!
Chuck also sold real estate on the weekends; and it was through this that he met and married Janet.
Chuck had many hobbies, one of which was wood and tin work. He did such a nice job that he and Janet incorporated his ‘Shanty Town’ creations into their already thriving porcelain business. They spent many years doing shows all over the Midwest.
In 1990, Chuck and Janet moved to Mandan, ND. They spent 25 years there, very busy in the community, volunteering at the Heritage Center and giving guided tours at the Capital. Chuck was an active member of the Lions Club involved in multiple service projects. He was a Mason and also a member of the Elks Club, the Shriners, and the Jesters and enjoyed singing tenor with the Elks Chorus and the Plainsmen! Chuck and Janet belonged to the Sons of Norway (yes, he was German). He embraced the Norwegian culture and sang and danced with them for many years. In earlier years, Chuck had also been involved with Kiwanis and Camasino.
Chuck and Janet loved to travel. They visited places all over the world.
In 2015, they moved to Spokane Valley, WA to be closer to family.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janet; sister-in-law, Joyce; his children: Denise, Gregg, Sharon, Zac (Janet) and Julie (Gary); 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 4 nieces and nephews; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Bob.
Chuck was a devout member of Advent Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley. Outside of church, Chuck enjoyed a lot of different things including golfing, watching football (Go Hawks!) and other sporting events, playing cards and games, fishing, and collecting watches. He loved cars. ALL cars! Chuck also had a “tea group” where he had a lot of fun meeting for coffee every morning in Bismarck. He had a love for animals too. He had many dogs and cats and even a parrot over the years. Did you know at one point he had an ocelot? What an interesting life!
Please join us in celebrating that life at 2 p.m. on October 27, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Community Center located at 17121 East 8th Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA 99016.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local Veterans organization and/or your local no-kill animal shelter or rescue. Thank you.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits