Jason E. Elsenheimer

"I'm not having any fun on vacation". That was his mantra. Now it's what he's saying in heaven as shines down upon all of us. Jason Edward Elsenheimer, passed on from this earthly life surrounded by his entire family on Sunday, October 18th, after a long, eventful and at times entertaining battle of the wills with brain cancer. He never complained. Not once. Not ever. He was a huge hit with all of the medical staff in ALL of the facilities he frequented over the last five years. Always polite and considerate. Always a kind word and sparkly-eyed smile until the very end. He was a blessing to know and became immediately dear to every client or friend he ever made. Not surprisingly, he passed peacefully following a great, though rare Detroit Lions win. Thank you to the boys in Honolulu Blue for a great send off. That evening, the sun emerged from behind grey clouds in a crisp fall sky and shined down upon many toasts to Jason, made by a huge group of his football buddies. He loved gathering with them at every opportunity over the years.
Jason, was an '87 graduate of T.C. Central High School and later graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in business and Real Estate. That led him to a long successful career as a Realtor and Broker with his parents and their joint business, Forward North Realty, and lastly with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty in Traverse City. Jason was preceded in passing by his father, Arthur Elsenheimer, sister-in-law, Dhana (Lockhart) Elsenheimer, father in-law Harry Pletcher, and stepbrother Michael Kurtz. He is survived by his Mother and stepfather Louise and Bill Kurtz, brother and sister in-law Kevin and Ann (Heimforth) Elsenheimer, brother Todd Elsenheimer, sister and brother in-law Jennifer (Elsenheimer) and Tom Lodge, stepsister and husband Katrina (Kurtz) and Sam Walter, stepbrother and wife, Jensen and Tracy Kurtz, mother in-law Sharon Pletcher, brother in-law, Chad Pletcher, sister in-law and brother in-law Sherry (Pletcher) and Kurt Quine. Also surviving are his wife Angel, many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives- and of course, the loves of his life, his daughters, Jenna and Jayla. His girls were the pride of his entire accolade-filled life. His mission and drive in the last leg of his journey was to be around for their epic adult moments. We know he will be. Even from heaven.
Jason was a true gentleman and (he would have you believe) a scholar based on his uncanny photographic memory for numbers, sequence and codes, but his true calling and skillset was that of a true friend to all. A helper. A giver. A Loving son, father, husband and brother. A Cherry Prince, Life Scout, soccer captain, MPVA volleyball player, singer, guitar player, sailor, landlord, real estate broker, ringleader, mega-party planner, fun magnet, family man, and his utmost point of pride, father. He was all about engagement and making people feel like the only one in the room. His love and respect for his elders was always in place. His willingness to help friends, family and total strangers in countless situations, spoke volumes. It was his intrinsic duty, not an inclination. Jason was a pack animal and did everything in his power to bring together as many people as possible in the most fun and sometimes slightly questionable adventures he could come up with. His magnetism and zest for life just seduced you further into the sea (of fun) like a riptide. But one that landed you on a sunny beach with a magically endless beer cooler and (ALWAYS) great music.
The next time you hear a Pearl Jam, REM, Simon and Garfunkel, Tool, Peter Gabriel, Crowded House, Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash…. well….any song. Please think of Jason. He is sending you songs from above.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking with sincere gratitude for your donation to the J. Elsenheimer Family Legacy payable to Angel Elsenheimer, Jenna Elsenheimer or Jayla Elsenheimer. This will help defray some of the impending costs that arise for a family with two young adult daughters ascending upon college, potential weddings and other great life events that Jason was so looking forward to being on earth to provide for his daughters. Contributions can be mailed to Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home or the family's home at 623 Eastwood Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686.
Arrangements have been made with Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 6th St., Traverse City, MI. An opportunity for visitation will occur at Christ The King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Rd., Williamsburg, MI on Thursday, October 22nd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service and mass will also be held at Christ The King on Friday, October 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. Guest may arrive beginning at 10:00 a.m. Safe distancing and masking protocols will be in place.

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