Arnold J. Esser, 86, of Kenosha, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Born in Madison, WI, on October 26, 1923, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Pauline Esser. He trained in business law, accounting, business math and marketing. On December 27, 1947, in Kenosha he married Marcella G. "Sally" Schwaiger at St. George Catholic Church. Arnie enjoyed numerous activities and knew he lead a full, eventful, and varied life. For 15 years he was a member and also served on the Board of Directors for Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce. Arnie was a former President and 15 year member of The Optimist Club, 5 year member of Knights of Columbus and The Danish Brotherhood. He served on Kenosha County Board of Review for real estate assessments for 11 years, and achieved many insurance, financial security and real estate licenses. He test drove cars for 11 years for Nash/American Motors. Arnie served on the Little League Board of Directors for 15 years, enjoying 20 years affiliation as coach, team manager, and sponsor of CYC baseball teams. With an avid interest in baseball, Arnie was the Board of Director during the 1950’s for the Kenosha Chiefs semi-pro baseball team. He was an active player in fast pitch softball during the 1940’s and 1950’s. During his retirement years he loved playing golf, horseshoe throwing, and bowling -- becoming State Bowling Tournament Champion, Division Seniors age 77 or older in 2000. Arnie further served our community as Kenosha Airport Commissioner and Chairman from 1977 through 1984. His interest and love of flying involved him as a 23 year member of the Civil air Patrol, serving as local Commander with rank of Major, and flying many search and rescue missions over Wisconsin and Lake Michigan. Arnie flew small planes for 50 years, with multi-engine and instrument ratings. He was a member of Kenosha Airmen’s Flying Club. He showed his love of flying to others, being active in Boy Scouts specifically as an Air Explorer Scout and unit advisor. He was active also in the Red Cross as a First Aid instructor and Disaster Survey Chairman. He volunteered for the United Fund and Heart Fund Charities. He stood by his political beliefs to run as the Republican Candidate for State Representative in 1972. Throughout all this Arnie’s memories of youthful summers spent working on his uncle’s farm with his brothers and his seeing Charles Lindbergh fly over to land in Madison carried lasting influence throughout his life. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Sally; a son, Timothy Arnold (Mary) Esser of Kenosha; a daughter, Gay Anne (William) Birkholz of Kenosha; two grandchildren, Paul and Craig (Ashley) Birkholz; three step grandchildren, Benjamin (Missy) Miller, Jamie Grams, and Kerry (Richard Strickland); eight step great-grandchildren, Kyra, Myah, Noah, and Eyan Miller, Faith Grams, Jace Grams, and Summer and Ty Strickland; two brothers, Norbert Esser of Greenville, SC, and N. Vincent of Alamo, CA; and a sister, Laverna Schittone of Milwaukee, WI. Arnie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death three brothers, Raymond in 1979, Lawrence J. in 2000 and Clarence in 2009. The family extends a special thanks to the staff of 7 Palmer, Dr. Michael Zeihen, and the staff of Brookside Care Center for their kind and compassionate care. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 2nd, at Proko Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be private. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service. Memorials to Optimist Little League or Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Kenosha would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Arnold’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com