Visitation
December 20, 2022
10:00 am
to 11:00 am
Service
December 20, 2022
11:00 am
to 12:00 pm
Visitation
December 20, 2022
10:00 am
to 11:00 am
Service
December 20, 2022
11:00 am
to 12:00 pm

Edwin “Ed” Estelle

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Edwin Arthur Estelle, age 84, passed away on December 7, 2022, surrounded by family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan after a lengthy battle against a blood disorder.

Ed was born on April 9, 1938, to Arthur and Alice (Buragas) Estelle, on the Estelle Centennial Farm, west of Gaylord. He graduated from Gaylord Community Schools with the class of 1958. He then received an associate degree in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University.

Ed leaves a legacy centered around several lifelong commitments and loves, beginning with farming alongside his father. That passion lead to the vast growth of Estelle Farms, which is now carried on by his son, Jay. He grew this legacy with the support and love of his wife of 62 years, Judi (Christen), originally of Toledo Ohio, and his family. His other love, skiing, resulted in a 62-year career as a PSIA-certified ski instructor at Boyne Mountain, which filled his winters until his passing.

Ed was also committed to serving his community. He was a 65-year member of Michigan Farm Bureau, holding several state and local offices. In 1967, he took part in a four-year Kellogg Young Farmers program resulting in the education and assistance of farms and farm leaders around the world. In appreciation of electrical power for northern Michigan, he served on the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors (Top O’ Michigan Electric) from 1992 until retiring in 2011. He represented Michigan potato growers, serving on the Michigan Potato Commission Research Committee for many years, starting in 1983, upon appointment by the Governor. Ed also supported the youth of Gaylord Community Schools as a coach of the ski team.

Ed was known for his kindness to others and his love of nature and family. He was an avid hunter, a loving husband, a caring dad, a very proud “Papa”, and a dear friend to all who knew him.

Ed is survived by his wife, Judi; three daughters, Dr. Dawn Estelle, Tanya (Ed Reeves) Estelle, and Anna (Bobby) Jarvis; son, Jay (Shannon) Estelle; and 10 grandchildren, Yukon Vinecki, Winter Vinecki, Magnum Vinecki, Ruger Vinecki, Keigan Dandeneau, Kinley Dandeneau, Annika Dandeneau, Bowdy Jarvis, Bailey Jarvis, and Tucker Jarvis. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Marie Bernard of Lakeland Florida; and his nephew, Gordon Campbell of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alice Estelle of Gaylord; and his son-in-law, Michael Vinecki.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Gaylord First United Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend John Naile officiating. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the GoFundMe of your choice that was set up by his family. To donate to Boyne Mountain to support the education and certification of aspiring ski instructors go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/edwin-estelle-ski. To donate to The First United Methodist Church go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/edwin-estelle-church. To donate to the Otsego County Historical Society, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/edwin-estelle-historical-society. To donate by mail, please send your check to Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, Mi. 49734

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

21 comments on “Edwin “Ed” Estelle”

  1. Saddened to hear about Ed’s passing.. He and his family have been historic farmers in are area for many, many years. He was a great man, husband an father. We will miss having him around. Thoughts and prayers to all of family.

  2. A leader of local agriculture and friend to many. Condolences to his family during this sad time. May you all hold your memories close to your hearts. Rest in peace Ed.

  3. Chris and Teresa Abbott

    So saddened by the passing of Ed. He was such a giver to all his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed. Sending much love and prayers to the family. Rest in Peace.

  4. Judy and family, my sincere condolences on your loss. May Ed rest in peace and may you be comforted by your beautiful memories.
    Liz Spencer Schiavo

  5. Judy and family. So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He was a great man and will be missed. Had many great conversations with him about farming. Me being an old farm boy enjoyed taking to him about farming. My sincere condolence to the family. Ken Bur.

  6. Tim & Jodie Samkowiak

    Ed was such a kind man and a great contributor to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

  7. Ed’s wife Judy is my first cousin . . . Her mother (my Aunt Hattie) was my Dad (Carl C. Bauer)’s older sister. I still remember as a child attending a birthday party at ‘Aunt Hattie’s when my cousin Judy, kind of ‘old’ in my eyes, haha, taught us little kids how to play ‘pint the tale on the donkey. I met Ed several times at various family reunions, informal settings, and lots of fun. He was inquisitive in a very respectful and intellectual way about my life as a Catholic missionary priest on the campus of Fu Jen University here in Taipei, Taiwan. He once picked up a Chinese newspaper I had put on a table, with photographs of my students and our life here, and said, “I want to hear you read that headline.” He pointed to big Chinese characters at the top of the page, caught off guard, and I read the Headline a little shakily, saying in English I couldn’t remember each and every character I’d need a dictionary. He said softly, “That’s all right. Don’t worry about it.” A kind and gentle man I will never forget. His eyes + smile = made in heaven . . . R.I.P, my friend Ed . . ..

  8. marilyn ciszewski

    Judy so vary sorry for the loss of a great man .He will be missed by anyone who knew him .He was my ski instructor many years ago. He was also a great neighbor for so many years.

    Chester &Marilyn Ciszewski

  9. Judy and family my sincere condolence on your loss of ED. He was a great person and will be missed. Had many conversations with Ed about farming. Me being an old farm boy enjoyed talking with Ed about farming. Lots of love for the family during this time.

  10. I’m so sorry for the loss of Ed to his family and our community. He was always such a nice man—full of compassion and fighting for justice in every role he held. What a legacy! My heart goes out to you all. XOXO

  11. Dale and Connie Middleditch

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Eddie was my classmate & friend. He will be remembered fondly by many. We are thinking of Judy & family during this sad time. Our sincere sympathy to each of you.

  12. Oh Dawn, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet dad. Since I’ve known you I’ve loved hearing stories about him. What a gift he was to your family AND your family to him. I know he was so very proud of you all and got so much joy watching the amazing people you all are. He’s such an example of a life well lived and I know you will carry on his remarkable legacy.
    I will hold you all in my thoughts and prayers for the peace that passes all understanding.
    With deep sympathy,
    Leigh Miller

  13. Judy and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ed. I always looked forward to seeing you, Ed and Grandma Alice at the strawberry kitchen! My mother and I enjoyed our trips to see you and get some of your delicious strawberries and she could say to her former bowling partner.

  14. I had the pleasure of being a “picker” at the berry farm for several seasons. Those early mornings and late evenings in the berry patch with Ed and his family are some of my favorite memories. His family adored and respected their Papa, and I’ll miss him for his kindness and generosity.
    Rest well, Ed.

  15. Miss Judy, Dawn, Tanya, & Jay,
    So sorry to hear Ed passed away. We all had a great time working with you at the farm. Numerous memories, none of which can ever be taken away. You are all in our thoughts, hearts, & prayers. Much love to you all.

    Stacy Guthrie & the boys

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