Herbert James Esterlein was born July 17, 1931, in Collinsville, Illinois to Marguerite (Peck) Esterlein and Herbert Herman Esterlein.  He died at home, on August 30, 2021, in Collinsville, Illinois.

Herb or "Bud", as many called him in his youth, grew up on S. Aurora Street.  He attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School.  He joined the Navy in January 1951 with many of his friends, serving his country as a Torpedoman's Mate on the USS Gregory and the USS Moale, during the Korean War.

Herb married Dorothy (McGuire) Esterlein in 1956. He worked in the Collinsville area as a Journeyman Carpenter specializing in finish carpentry. He was the lead carpenter for Host International, at Lambert Airport in the 1980's and 90's. He and his family lived in Collinsville, Maryville, and Troy, Illinois, and Redington Beach, Florida.  When Dorothy died in Florida, he moved back to live with his daughter Sara, her husband Norman, and their daughter Jonella.  He remained under their care until his death.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Herbert H., and Marguerite Esterlein; his older sister Louise Marguerite Richmond; his foster brother Robert Call; his wife Dorothy Esterlein; mother-in-law Bessie McGuire; sister-in-law Judith McGuire; and nephew Donald McGuire. He is survived by his four daughters, Jami (Curt) Kyonka, Sherry (Mark) Czanderna, Louise (Karl) Blessing and Sara (Norman) Modrovsky; a brother-in-law Robert McGuire and a sister-in-law Constance Call.

He leaves a legacy of 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews.  His grandchildren are Josiah (Laura) Kyonka; (Ligin) Grace Joy; Christopher (Lindsay) Kyonka; (Todd) Glory Fletcher; Jacob (Leah) Kyonka; Andrew Czanderna; Jonathan (Uyen Nguyen) Kyonka; (Christopher) Mercy Stevenson; (Robert) Jonella Lincoln; (Juan Remolina Gonzalez) Cara Kyonka Remolina; and William Rowland Blessing. Great-grandchildren are Ellie; Dexter; Liam; Oliver; Knox; Asha; Kinsley; Emmett; Zoe; Priya; Olivia; and Hayden Mae.  Nieces Cheryl (Jeff) Knieriemen; Ren'e (Jim) Smith; Autumn Banks; Suzanne (Jerry) Sede; Kelly Plasket; Tracy Murphy; Nephews Jeff Call; and Mark Call.

Herbert was a Christian; he grew up in the church, was introduced to the Gospel and relied on the grace of salvation. In his 70's, he grew to know and love Jesus as Lord and found the joy of salvation. He prayed regularly and diligently for his family and friends. If you were acquainted with him, he prayed for you.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois.