Carl Eschenbacher

Carl Leonard Eschenbacher age 97, of Baxter passed away on Sunday, April 20,2025, at Woodland nursing home in Brainerd. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd. There will be visitation for family and friends held on Wednesday April 23rd, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Carl was born on the family farm in South Long Lake Township to Walter Eschenbacher and Martha (nee Luttman) July 17, 1927. He spent his first 12 years growing up on the farm where he attended country school through the sixth grade. His dad lost the farm during the depression and moved the family to Brainerd where Carl continued his schooling through the 10th grade. He started working at the papermill at age 15. At 17 he joined the Merchant Marines where he served for 33 months during World War Two. After being discharged Carl returned to the papermill. In 1952 he bought a dairy farm and farmed for the next 33 years. In 1985 he sold the farm and began working for the Post office. Carl retired from the post office in 1992.

In 1949 he married Shirley Morlok of Columbus, Nebraska. She and Carl had five children Karen, Kevin, Kay, Karl “Pete”, and Kurt. They were also foster parents to more than 50 foster children. Carl and Shirley were married for 38 years until her death in 1987. In 1990 Carl married Marjorie Dill. They were married for 33 years until her death in 2023.

Carl’s Christian faith was very important to him. Baptized in July, 1927 and confirmed in April, 1941. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran church in Brainerd where he served on many boards and committees. Carl was active in his community. He was a board member of South Long Lake Township, a member of the Farmer’s Union, 4-H leader, supervisor for the animal barns at the Crow Wing County fair, and member of the Lion’s Club. Carl enjoyed many hobbies. He raised bees, loved reading, made many kinds of delicious wines, and became an avid gardener after moving to Baxter. Carl and Marge enjoyed traveling together. Over the years they went to several destinations up and down the east and west coasts, a road trip to Alaska, as well as a trip to Germany. For 18 years they spent their winters in Harlingen, Tx.

Carl is survived by children Karen (Bob Owen) of Brainerd, Kay (Warren McVey) Princeton, Karl “Pete” of Brainerd, and Kurt (Brenda) of Fort Ripley; brother Larry (Ramona) Ardmore, Oklahoma; Grandchildren; Rob, Melissa, Brandon, Jigger, Mandy, Lee, Ian, Eli, Darcy, Carrie, Nate, Justin and Michael, 15 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, Daughter-in-law Linda; Stepdaughter Eileen Holmquist; 1 step-granddaughter; 4 step-great-grandchildren; and 7 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Shirley, second wife Marjorie, son Kevin, sister Elsie Anderson, sister Jeanette Simmonds, brother Donald, 3 infant siblings, and one infant great grandson.

Pall bearers are Rob Owen, Brandon Owen, Kevin Jr “Jigger” Eschenbacher, Lee Bock, Ian McVey, Eli McVey, Nate Eschenbacher, Justin Eschenbacher, and Michael Eschenbacher.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Judy and Byron Elisusan for the loyal help they gave Carl the last several years.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.