ESTERLE, FERDINAND JOSEPH "BABE," 81, of Louisville, passed away on December 6, 2011 at his residence.
He retired in 1995 from The Merrick Printing Company as project manager. He served in the U.S. Army, was a founding member of the Bishop David Falconeers Club, the Angela Merici Boosters Club and a member of The Louisville Litho Club.
Babe, the youngest of 13, was born December 4, 1930 to William and Lillian Esterle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and 12 siblings, brothers, Will, Durward, Charles, J. Edwin, Rich, Paul, Joe and Leonard; sisters, Lucille Day, Lillian Snipp, Eleanor Esterle and Rose Sherrard.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley Cochran Esterle; a daughter, Ann Marie Esterle; three sons, Steve, Craig (Paula) and Wayne Esterle; grandchildren, Staff Sergeant Robert Esterle, US Army, Brittany Raibick (Ryan), Ashley Esterle (Marc); and great-grandson, Luke Raibick.
The family would like to thank his cardiologist, Dr. Manish Sharma and caregivers, Mildred Thompson and Joyce Cook for their quality care, unequaled compassion and friendship.
Funeral services will be noon Monday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway, with burial in Louisville Memorial Gardens West.
Visitation will be 1-4 amd 6-8 p.m. Sunday and after 10 a.m. Monday.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Louisville Chapter of Big Brothers, 1519 Gardner Lane, Suite B, Louisville, KY 40218. and Big Sisters. Online condolences to owenfuneralhome.com.