Esch, John William of Burnsville, Minnesota passed away on January 21, 2024, after 82 years of a life well-lived. He died suddenly one day after returning home from heart valve surgery. Cherished husband of Judi for 58 years, he is also survived by daughters Lisa (John) LeMay, Lora (Kit) Friedemann, and Leanne; daughter-in-spirit Kelly Futch; grandchildren Nate and Luci LeMay; Alex LeMay; sisters Susanne, Maggie and Pat; and a number of neighborhood children who embrace him as their grandpa. John was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and did his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin. He earned his PhD at the University of Illinois. He was brilliant by birth, curious by nature, and planful by choice. A career as an electrical engineer was a natural profession for this accomplished Eagle Scout and Coast Guard veteran. John instinctively sought peak efficiency in every daily task. He optimized every life choice, even his marriage proposal. In 1965, he carefully weighed the pros and cons of asking the lovely Judi Ripp to marry him. His detailed list is family lore. He determined that, yes indeed, he should propose. Of course she said yes. John loved Judi dearly. He embraced the joy and laughter she brought to their lives. True soul mates, theirs is a match for the ages. John has always put his family above everything else: changing babies' diapers, coaching sports teams, attending every recital and performance, and helping with countless home projects. If anyone needed him, he was there. John was a pioneer in early computer science, especially the development of artificial intelligence, long before the rest of the world had an inkling of what it was. His inventive mind resulted in many patents during his career with Sperry Univac and Lockheed Martin. John retired after 35 years to spend more time with his grandchildren, who treasured their fun, patient, and loving "Gramp." When he wasn't with grandkids, he spent countless hours gardening with Judi, rollerblading, kayaking, camping, and attending classes at the Y with Judi and friends. He enjoyed adventure, and traveled much of the world with Judi. John had a passion for further developing the field of artificial intelligence, obtaining three more patents in just the past two years. (Example: "Self-Organizing Generalization Hierarchy with Bindings of Propositions.") His mind was brilliant, but it was his kind heart that embraced us all. He was thoughtful, honest, caring, patient, and full of love. If ever there was a genuinely good and kind man, John Esch was he. A celebration of John's life will be held at the Buck Hill Event Center, 15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville, MN, on Monday, February 5 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. A short program will start at 1:30. John enjoyed growing flowers, not so much cutting them. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or to a charity of your choice that supports childhood education.

Published on January 28, 2024