Deacon R. Essenburg

Deacon Randall Essenburg, beloved son of Mitchell and Jamie Essenburg, passed away on Saturday, February 21 at just 8 months of age. Born on June 4, 2025, Deacon brought immeasurable joy to everyone who knew and loved him. In just eight months, he filled our days with joyful laughter, wonder, and unconditional love. Deacon loved cuddles and had just learned to pull your cheek toward him for one of his signature sloppy kisses. His sweet, toothless grin could brighten even the darkest day, and it shone brightest when it was turned towards his two older sisters who absolutely adored him. But the real giggles and smiles came when daddy would tickle his belly with his nose and beard. The joy was contagious. Not to mention all the times family would be debating who got to hold him next. Bath time with his sisters made for a fun and very wet experience and splashing in the sink with Oma filled him with such delight. We'll never forget the sweet baby chatter he would have on Opa’s lap or the special bonding time Nana and Papa got holding Deacon around a campfire; the warmth wasn’t just from the fire but from the cuddles and love felt in those moments. It brought Mommy and Daddy so much joy when Deacon would wiggle with happiness upon seeing them. But the way his eyes would light up with happiness when he would see his Nana, Papa, Oma and Opa brought such a glow to our hearts, because he knew he was so loved and he loved them. Deacon was truly loved by his uncles, aunts and cousins and he was truly blessed by them! He had the biggest open mouth smile for his cousins and siblings and loved watching them play in front of him and with him. Though Deacon’s time with us was brief, he will forever be in our hearts. He taught us about pure joy and the depth of love a family can hold. Deacon is survived by his parents Jamie and Mitch, and his two older sisters Jayden and Madison. He also leaves behind his great grandparents Arend & Janet Buitenhuis, his grandparents Randy & Roxanne Essenburg, Randy & Hilda Westrate, his aunts and uncles, Katie, Kevin, Travis, Stephanie, Cody, Laura and Sam, and his cousins Janelle, Corbin and Hailey. Deacon was preceded in death by his great grandparents Nellie and Chet Westrate, Simon and Joan Essenburg, and Kenneth and Helen VanDerKooi. A service of joy (memorial service) will be held on Friday, February 27 at 11 am and the visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Both services will be held at Foundry Church (Zeeland MI). In lieu of flowers, the family will be finalizing ways for interested parties to make donations in Deacon’s honor; those details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, we ask that you simply honor his memory by hugging your children a little tighter each night. Though our arms ache without Deacon, our hearts will forever carry his light and joyful spirit.

Tributes

Deacon R. Essenburg

June 4, 2025 - February 21, 2026