Gilbert Ramon Esquer

Gilbert Ramon Esquer of Yucaipa, California, passed away at home on February 17, 2017 at the age of 93.  His wife and two sons were at his side as he died quietly at home.  Gilbert was born to Maria Linn and Gilberto Esquer on August 8, 1923 in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.  They immigrated to Los Angeles, California in 1924, where Gilbert’s two brothers, Guillermo and George, were born.  The entire family became citizens of the United States during his adolescent years.  Gilbert graduated from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles, California in 1940.  Gilbert served in the 325th Glider Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division of the Army from 1943 through 1945 during World War II. He participated in the Normandy invasion, Battle of Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and Anzo. Gilbert was awarded the Good Conduct, two Purple Hearts and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medals. Gilbert’s service during WWI shaped the remainder of his life.  After returning from Europe, Gilbert worked in the garment industry for about 13 years and married his first wife, Alice Quiroz, whom he had a daughter, Emily.  In 1958, Gilbert married, Donna Boedeker, his second wife of almost 59 years.  Gilbert switched careers and began working on a survey crew for the County of Los Angeles Flood Control and Public Works in 1959.  Gilbert and Donna welcomed two sons, Mark and Michael, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Cal State University of Los Angeles and moved to Whittier California during the following two decades. After earning his degree, Gilbert continued to work as an associate engineer for the County of Los Angeles where he eventually retired from the Public Works department in 1996.  Gilbert and Donna moved to Calimesa in 2006 after Donna retired to be closer to one of their sons living in Yucaipa. Gilbert enjoyed fishing, touring Europe to visit towns he had fought through in World War II and having his grandchildren visit. Gilbert loved his breakfasts at Café Royal, in Calimesa, and the many friends he visited each morning at Breakfast.  Gilbert is proceeded in death by his mother, father and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Donna, Daughter Emily and son-in-law George Goss, Son Mark Esquer, Son Michael and daughter-in-law April Esquer and ten grandchildren, Raquel, Alice, Matthew, Cody, Kaitlyn, Morgan, Nikolas, Lucas, Mackenzie and Tyler. We all love and will miss you, rest in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A small family only memorial service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Following the memorial service a celebration of life will be held at a local restaurant in the area for family and friends of Gilbert between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. If you would like information on attending the celebration please contact his son, Mike, at (909) 266-4003.