George F. Esfeld, 83, died Sept. 27 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born Feb. 24, 1927, at Great Bend, the son of Fred, Sr. and Frances (Monger) Esfeld. He married Gemella A. Gerstenkorn on Feb. 15, 1949, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend. She died Nov. 2, 2008. A lifetime Great Bend resident, he worked for Clarke Well and Equipment as a field supervisor.

Mr. Esfeld was a World War II veteran of United States Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and Army. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111, all of Great Bend. He was a former Knights of Columbus member.

Survivors include three sons, Danny Esfeld and wife Sherie of Hoisington, and Mark Esfeld and wife Cathy, and Mike Esfeld and wife Kristi, all of Great Bend; two sisters: Agatha Reeves of Malvern, Ark., and Catherine Birzer of Ellinwood; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Fritz Esfeld, Joseph Esfeld and Maurice "Dutch" Esfeld.

Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Peter Fernandez officiating. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial donations to the Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Aviary Fund or the Prince of Peace Parish may be made in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.