Stephen P. "Steve" Esterline, age 69, of West Unity, Ohio passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Steve was born on November 11, 1956, Hudson, Michigan, son of the late Donald P. and Joyce A. (Kresse) Esterline. He was a 1974 graduate of Hudson High School, Hudson, Michigan, where he participated in sports. He was a member of the Hudson football state record holding team with 72 consecutive wins. Following high school, Steve obtained a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Risk Management. Steve married Kim M. Frazer on April 14, 1996, in West Unity, Ohio. He got his first job working at the gas station in Hudson, Michigan at the age of nine and worked in sales for over 50 years until his retirement in 2019. Steve's passion for sports began at a young age and became a way of life. Throughout his life he enjoyed creating a fun, competitive culture in his family, making almost any task a competition. Steve was an avid University of Michigan Football, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren in all their activities. Steve enjoyed taking trips to the casino, spending time outdoors hunting, and tending to his vegetable garden. He especially cherished travelling with his wife, Kim, and seeking adventure.

Surviving is his wife, Kim Esterline of West Unity, Ohio; six children, Corey (Lindsay) Eisel of West Unity, Ohio, Jolene Esterline of Middleton, Wisconsin, Jacqueline (Bryan) Lassen of White Lake, Michigan, Tyler (Jenna) Esterline of Bryan, Ohio, James (Tiffany) Eisel of St. John, Florida, and Betsy (Joe) Schlosser of Bryan, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Reese Eisel, Alexia Lassen, Kara Lassen, Johnathon Heldberg, Jaydon Woolace, Jacob Schlosser, and Margot Schlosser; sister, Kathy Wyandt. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, James and Cara Frazer; grandson, Dylan Eisel; brother-in-law, Mike Wyandt.

Visitation for Steve will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at West Unity United Methodist Church, 311 North Liberty Street, West Unity, with a Celebration of Steve's life beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Pastor Jeff Ridenour officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Private family burial will be held at Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity, at a later date. Services are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, West Unity.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Bryan Baseball Association or Hilltop Athletic Boosters.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared with the family at www.oberlinturnbull.com