TRAVERSE CITY — Harold E. "Doc" Aeschliman, 89, of Traverse City, died Monday afternoon, April 30, 2012, at the home of his niece, Lori Boomer.Born Sept. 8, 1922 in Albion, he was the son of the late Carl and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Aeschliman. On Feb. 9, 1961, in Traverse City, he married the former Veronica M. Linske.Doc was a proud veteran who faithfully served his country with the United States Army during World War II. He was a long-standing member of the American Legion Post #35 and the V.F.W. Cherryland Post #2780.He was a dedicated employee of the City of Traverse City, working as the zoo director and superintendent of Parks and Recreation.Doc is survived by his wife of 51 years, Veronica M. Aeschliman, of Traverse City; children, Karon (Bill) Bevelhymer, of Maple City, Ronald (Antonia) Aeschliman, of Traverse City, and Peggy (Wilburn) Clark, of Wolcottville, Ind.; siblings, Keith (Pauline) Aeschliman, of Traverse City, Dorothy (Tom) Mikula, of Traverse City, and Sandra (Richard) MacConnel, of Traverse City; special niece and caregiver, Lori (Edward) Boomer, of Traverse City; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie "Tiny" Aeschliman; and siblings, Shirley Williams, Verna Munson and Donnie Aeschliman.Visitation for family and friends will take place today, May 2, 2012, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at 11 a.m., with Howard Lake officiating. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the V.F.W. Cherryland Post #2780 will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In remembrance of Doc, memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .