Joseph "Joe" William Eslinger

Joseph “Joe” William Eslinger

Strong Christian Man -

Joseph “Joe” William Eslinger, age 83, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village in Mechanicsburg while surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 2, 2019.  Joe was born on Monday, October 21, 1935 in Mechanicsburg to the late King Edward Eslinger and Amelia Cecilia (Eltz) Eslinger.  In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his son, Robert “Bob” Joseph Eslinger, and his sister, Joann “Sis” Whitmire.

Joe’s survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Joann W. (Witmer) Eslinger; his son, Bradley “Brad” Eslinger and his wife, Beth, of Hesston; his daughter, Cyndi Nadu and her husband, David, of Newport; his 14 grandchildren; his 23 great grandchildren; his two great great grandchildren; his two brothers, John Eslinger and King James “Jim” Eslinger; his three sisters, Joyce Runk, Connie Dettinger and Jean Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1953.  He worked for a variety of excavators during his career including Cumberland Construction, Pavex and Liberty Excavating.  Joe was recognized for his commitment to quality and his unwavering dedication to his work.  Leading by example, he literally paved the way for others to follow.  Joe was a workaholic and when he was not on an excavating site he was building his family home, building his daughter’s home, working tirelessly at his church, and helping his friends and neighbors with their construction projects.  It seemed that Joe could build or fix almost anything, including his sportsman class racecar that his brother, Jim, drove at Silver Spring Speedway.  In addition to the speedway, Joe loved NASCAR and attended many races over the years.

Bowling was another enjoyment of Joe’s and his skill was recognized by those in his bowling league.  Polka dancing with his wife, Joann, and grandchildren as part of the Capital City Polka Dancers was a thrill for Joe.  He enjoyed every moment of his time on the dance floor.  Joe and his wife, Joann, were members of both St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Young’s United Methodist Church both in Mechanicsburg at various points in their lives.  He was a strong Christian man who took excellent care of his family and who modeled a true love story for his children and grandchildren.  He was always helping others and it was known that Joe was the “go to guy” when something needed to be done.  Joe will be remembered warmly and loved forever.

All are welcome to join Joe’s family at his viewing on Friday, July 12, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and at Joe’s funeral service on Saturday, July 13, 2019 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Young's United Methodist Church, 7075 Wertzville Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Bob Bishard officiating.  Joe’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the church immediately following the funeral service.  Burial will follow the reception in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.

Contributions in celebration of Joe’s life can be made to Young's United Methodist Church, 7075 Wertzville Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Joe’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Joe’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com .

Joe’s complete service information, full obituary, photographs, memorial video and portrait will be posted on our website once his family has finalized arrangements.  Please check our website again or feel free to call us at any time by dialing (717) 766-3421.