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Herman John Esfeld, 92

Herman John Esfeld, age 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2020. He was born on June 24, 1927, in Detroit, Mich., to Henry and Frieda Esfeld. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Ruth, who was the love of his life for over 37 years. Also surviving are his daughters Nora (Michael) Brzezinski of Jackson, Mich. and Edna of Ventura, Calif.; stepdaughter, Christine Von Eyss of New Zealand; grandchildren Matthew (Emily) Brzezinski, Krista (Josh) Simmons, step-grandsons Daniel and Adrian (Michaela) Chilton, (who liked to call him “the best Opa in the world”) and seven great-grandchildren: Carter, Peyton, Bennett, Millar, Sawyer, Evelyn and Ivy Mae.

Preceding Herman were his parents; brother, Ronald, and sister, Norma.

Herman served in the U.S. Army Occupational Forces in Germany, from 1950 to 1952, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant from the 743rd Ordnance Maintenance Company.

Herman and his wife, Ruth, moved from Jackson to Coeur d’Alene, in 1991, after 29 years working at ITT Automotive Industry as manager of manufacturing engineering. Most notable among his many lifetime achievements was serving as president of the German American Club of Jackson for over 13 years and collaborating with Edna in writing and publishing his memoirs, “Brainwashed: Fighting for the Enemy.”

Always smiling, Herman was a very social person and hosted many parties and cookouts that lasted into the early hours. He loved to travel — especially to beautiful New Zealand, Germany, and the U.S. — dancing, bowling and watching soccer.

He will be dearly missed.

Services will be held at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. Please visit Herman’s online registry at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.