Ezra James Sesser, 98, was born March 16, 1912 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming; the second of six children, Ezra grew to manhood in the Modesto-Waterford area in the farming community. Ezra spent his last year living at Merrill Gardens, rejoining his wife Evelyn in Heaven on Wednesday, March 31.
Due to the Depression, Ezra was unable to fulfill his plans for a college education, and stayed home to help support the family. Childhood blindness in one eye disqualified Ezra for military service, so he instead served in the California Conservation Corps.
In l939 he married Margaret Evelyn Collins, who shared his faith in God; and was “the only woman who knew how to work around his stubbornness”.
Known for his great storytelling and dry sense of humor, Ezra just enjoyed people. While farming 20 acres of almonds and working at Spreckels Sugar Company, Ezra and Evelyn raised four children: Linda Duke of Suisun, Bryan Sesser of Santa Rosa, George Sesser of Walla Walla, WA; and Dorothy Silva of Manteca.
Ezra was a “jack of all trades”, building their first home and loving to work in his shop. Gifted with helping others and craftsmanship, Ezra showed his love for family and friends thru his hands and served as Trustee for over 30 years at Northgate Community Church. Ezra loved playing with children including his children, nieces, nephews, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Ezra was a voracious reader, loved John Wayne movies, and discussing world politics. After retirement, Ezra and Evelyn traveled with relatives, and Ezra began woodworking; making beautiful bowls, baby cribs, toys, etc. and taking great joy in giving them away. He continued to walk one and one-half miles a day to the age of 96.
Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, April 3 at 11 a.m. at Northgate Community Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Ezra will be laid to rest privately at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. Remembrances can be made in Mr. Sesser’s name to Northgate Community Church, 650 Northgate Drive, Manteca, CA 95336. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences.
Due to the Depression, Ezra was unable to fulfill his plans for a college education, and stayed home to help support the family. Childhood blindness in one eye disqualified Ezra for military service, so he instead served in the California Conservation Corps.
In l939 he married Margaret Evelyn Collins, who shared his faith in God; and was “the only woman who knew how to work around his stubbornness”.
Known for his great storytelling and dry sense of humor, Ezra just enjoyed people. While farming 20 acres of almonds and working at Spreckels Sugar Company, Ezra and Evelyn raised four children: Linda Duke of Suisun, Bryan Sesser of Santa Rosa, George Sesser of Walla Walla, WA; and Dorothy Silva of Manteca.
Ezra was a “jack of all trades”, building their first home and loving to work in his shop. Gifted with helping others and craftsmanship, Ezra showed his love for family and friends thru his hands and served as Trustee for over 30 years at Northgate Community Church. Ezra loved playing with children including his children, nieces, nephews, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Ezra was a voracious reader, loved John Wayne movies, and discussing world politics. After retirement, Ezra and Evelyn traveled with relatives, and Ezra began woodworking; making beautiful bowls, baby cribs, toys, etc. and taking great joy in giving them away. He continued to walk one and one-half miles a day to the age of 96.
Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, April 3 at 11 a.m. at Northgate Community Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Ezra will be laid to rest privately at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. Remembrances can be made in Mr. Sesser’s name to Northgate Community Church, 650 Northgate Drive, Manteca, CA 95336. An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
