The Rev. Carl Larsen Esenwein

The Rev. Carl Larsen Esenwein, 72, died Nov. 4, 2006 in Normal, IL, of cancer. He served congregations in Benton Harbor, MI, and Norfolk, VA, and Bloomington, IL. He then started his own company. Known for his opposition to the Vietnam War, Carl was instrumental in helping numerous conscientious objectors find sanctuary in Canada. He was also active in the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and organizations for prison reform. During retirement, he restored his historic home and rekindled his love of magic. Those who knew him were impressed by the courage and dignity with which he faced the end of his life. A service took place Nov. 15 in Normal. Mr. Esenwein is survived by his wife, Willemina; four children, Marc of Louisville, CO; Steve, of Dacono, CO; Lori Hoffman of Bloomington, IL; and Willem Knibbe of Alameda, CA; a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, his mother, Eleanor, of Bloomington IL; and three grandchildren.

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