GySgt. Xavier Michael “Mike” Esteban, USMC passed away January 5, 2022.
Mike was born, April 15, 1947, in Texas to the late Manuel (Mexican Army) and Juanita Esteban (nee De La Cruz).Mike grew up in Chicago, lived near Taylor Street, then in Bucktown and lastly Back of the Yards.
Mike enlisted in the US Marine Corps to serve his Country with courage and honor. His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him a purple heart, combat action ribbon, and many other medals. Mike was a rifle expert, pistol sharpshooter, flew in helicopters, ran many search and destroy missions, while saving and helping his fellow Marines. After multiple tours in Vietnam, he re-enlisted as a Marine reservist for many years and earned the title of Gunnery Sergeant.
Later he worked for Commonwealth Edison and started a family with Carmen.
Mike is survived by his four children, Lisa (Miguel) Rios, Anthony - USMC, Michael (Corrina Contreras) and Nicky. The kids have memories of their father taking them to his company softball games, picnics, many visits to Glenview Naval Air Station and having lunch in the chow hall. The best memories they have are of their father coaching their winning baseball teams, riding around in his red corvette and Saturday roller skating.
Mike leaves behind fifteen grandchildren; Alycia, Jessica, Nicholas, Xavier, Michael, Julian, Kaylani, Sofia, Izabella, Joseph, David, Mikaila, Janae, Michael Vito and Victoria and three great grandchildren Ariella, Jiovanni and Noah. They will learn what a great man he was through all the memories and photos their parents are going to share to keep him alive in their hearts.
Mike was part of a loving and close knit family of nine children. He is survived by Mary (the late Jack Hahne, US Army), Sam, Anita (the late Terry Peterson), Eva (Bill) Heath and sister Lupe. His predecessors in heaven are brothers Andy - US Navy (Linda), Joe - US Army, and Ralph.
Mike was a loving uncle to Gina (Martin) Munoz, Al “Nino”(Daisy) Rodriguez, Robert (Noemi), Amanda Jo, James and Lorial (Michael) Klug.
After his accident Mike spent most of his life at the James A. Lovell Veterans Hospital, where he was cared for by hospital staff and made great friends.
Mike left an impression at Sunday mass, Bingo games and everyone he met received a Spanish lesson.
Mike will be deeply missed. To know him was to love him.