Clear, 62° F
(Nov. 13, 1941-March 16, 2012)
Albert (Zeke) Eschler was born Nov. 13, 1941 to Roy and Mary Eschler. Al passed away Friday, March 16, 2012, with his family by his side after battling interstitial lung disease. He was 70.
Al attended school and graduated from Powell High School in 1960, where he excelled in basketball and track.
On Dec. 1, 1963, Al married Linda Heny in Powell. They were blessed with three children; Eric, Michelle, and Aaron.
Al joined the Air Force in 1960 and proudly served his country for eight years. He was stationed in Clovis, N.M.; Grand Forks, N.D.; Tampa, Fla.; and spent one year at Cam Rahn Bay during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Al worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years as a mail carrier. After his retirement, he spent time with his good friends Hans, Jack, Al, Auggie, and others.
Al had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, a pleasant smile, and a greeting for all he met. Everyone who came in contact with Al left laughing; he was so much fun to be with. Cleverness and laughter is a legacy he left with his family and friends. He also enjoyed going to air shows, working on his computer, cooking and reading a good book on his Kindle.
Al is survived by his wife Linda, of 48 years, brother Steve Eschler, son Eric (Marcy) Eschler, daughter Michelle Eschler (Jeff Hobbs), and son Aaron Eschler, all of Billings; and grandchildren James (Rachael) Sherman and Danielle (Brandt) Myers. He was a special great-grandfather “Papa” to Aiden and Hailey Sherman, also of Billings. He is survived by sisters-in-law Karla Eschler, Eugene, Ore.; Diane Dietz, Powell; and Mona (Bob) Model, and Mary Lou (Bob) Bales of Cody; and numerous nieces and nephews. His grand-dogs Cassie Sue, Cody, and Max will miss their “Grandpa’s Doggy Daycare.”
Al was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Mary, brother Gary, and sister Aileen.
Al was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the Cremation and Funeral Gallery, 29 Eighth Street West, Billings.
Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
