Memorial services for Philip J. Esch, age 64, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the Church of St. Theodore. The Rev. Robert Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Phil died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at Albert Lea Medical Center.

Philip James Esch was born July 18, 1939, to Leo and Mildred (Flynn) Esch in Dodgeville, Wis. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a B.S. degree in meat and animal science. Phil served in the United States Army from June 1962 – June 1965, serving the majority of time in Chamblay, France.

On July 23, 1966, Phil was united in marriage to Sharon Schleck at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dodgeville, Wis. He began his career at Wilson Foods in July 1965. During his career, Phil held several positions including quality assurance inspector, quality assurance manager and technical services technologist. He retired in 2001 from Farmland Foods. For a brief time, Phil was also employed at Hudson Foods. Upon retirement, he worked part time at Hy-Vee.

Phil lived in Albert Lea for 38 years. He was a member of the Church of St. Theodore and a founding member of the Loaves and Fishes program. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. Phil was a board member of the United Employees Credit Union. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a volunteer driver for Ride Services for the Senior Resource Center. He was an avid sports fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed gardening and loved traveling throughout the U.S. with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Albert Lea; son, Nicholas Esch and fiancee Kelley Grimes of Apple Valley; daughter, Sara and husband Jerry Stewart of Farmington; brothers: Edward and wife Sandy Esch of Baraboo, Wis., and David and wife Janet Esch of Ridgeway, Wis.; mother-in-law, Helen Schleck of Madison, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents: Leo and Mildred Esch of Dodgeville, Wis.; and father-in-law, Clarence Schleck of Madison, Wis.

Phil was a loving and devoted husband and father. Blessed be his memory.