John Esch

John T. Esch, age 84 of Merna, passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2025, in his home in Merna, NE.

Catholic Wake Service will be held Thursday, April 10th from Noon until 12:30 PM, Rosary Service will at 12:30 PM, then Mass Service at 1:00 PM at the Goviers Brother Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. The burial will follow directly at Dale Cemetery, northwest of Merna, NE. A register book may be signed on Wednesday, April 9th, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Any memorials are suggested to be made to the Merna Rescue or the Merna Volunteer Fire Department.

John was born on Aug 6th, 1940, in the family home east of Broken Bow. He was the first of four children born to John A. and Lorena (Grundmayer) Esch who ultimately settled on the east table near Merna when John was very young. John fondly remembered attending the country school near his home. He was transferred to Merna Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1959. As in grade school, he had many good memories of school and his classmates.

John worked for the Nebraska Hwy Dept for a short while after high school graduation, but then decided to become an automotive mechanic. Post high school, he attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, NE, and graduated in 1963. He worked mainly on General Motors products, in several automotive shops in Broken Bow during his over 45 years as a mechanic. He also operated his own repair shop in Merna for a couple of different intervals over these many years.

Prior to learning his lifelong trade, John also joined the National Guard. John met Violet M. Peace with an introduction from her brother, who was also in the National Guard. The two were later married on May 13, 1967, and bought a house in Merna where they resided their entire lives. John and Violet lived, worked, and raised two boys: Jeffrey John Esch (PhD) and Jim Joseph Esch.

John enjoyed building a variety of DIY projects over the years and several are still in use. John was a student of history and loved local/regional history. He tended to prefer the "old days" to anything involving moderns’ ways and rapid change. He often could be heard in discussion regarding politics and the way American government was meant to be. He also loved his hobby farm with goats, sheep, and cows and enjoyed taking care of them up until just a few years ago.

John is survived by his wife Violet Esch, his son Jim Esch, his sister Mary (Paul) Holland, his youngest and sister Kathy Duryea. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his son Jeffrey J. Esch, his parents John A. & Lorena Esch, and his sister Dianna R. Esch.

Goviers Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow are in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com