In loving memory of

Charles (Tod) H. Eschenbach
March 16, 1942 - January 27, 2022

Tod was the only son of Chuck and Effie Eschenbach, born in Detroit, Michigan. Tod was married to the love of his life for 48 years, Barbara Eschenbach, until Barb's passing in 2016. Tod and Barbara are survived by their daughter Kristen Bohan, son Jeff Eschenbach, and granddaughters Riley and Kaitlin Bohan. Barb and Tod's marriage entered him into the amazing arms of the Wiggant family where he is survived by Sharon and Jerry Glenn, Patti and Jerry Webb, and a host of extended family that loved and respected Tod for the incredible role model and caring person he was.

Tod lived in Grosse Pointe, Michigan for a vast majority of his life and, after retirement, moved to Traverse City, Michigan before becoming a full time in resident in Sarasota, Florida. Tod was a graduate of Grosse Pointe High School (1960) and went on to play collegiate baseball at Wofford College, earning a bachelor's degree in business before starting at Chrysler in 1965. He was a second-generation Chrysler executive who spent 34 years with the company before retiring as Vice President of Union Relations in 1999. Tod was instrumental in transforming collective bargaining agreements for the automotive industry since 1984. He helped mentor the future leaders of Chrysler in his various roles through Human Resources and Labor Relations. Tod was deeply respected by his peers across all sectors of the automotive industry and will be remembered as a strong and fair leader who always tried to do right for the people on both sides of the table. He was an advocate for the underdog. He supported diversity in the workplace like no one had ever seen. His support and confidence in people throughout the company put many of them in highly successful careers, which was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Tod was an avid boater and raised his family to prioritize time together while taking family weekend getaways on their boat, The Negotiator, throughout the summers. Tod also quickly found his love for golf and could regularly be found on the course while in retirement. Tod will be remembered for his passion and love for his family, generosity, philanthropy, leadership, and compassion for others. His humbleness would camouflage his accomplishments and involvements in his automotive career, the Mason's Moslem Shriners, St Jude Charity support, and unparalleled acts of kindness to others.

True to Tod's style, his wish was for little fanfare.

The family will get together in the future for an intimate celebration of life in Traverse City.

In lieu of flowers and for those that wish to donate to a cause, we would like to direct your donations to The Tidewell Hospice House of Sarasota, FL www.giving@tidewellfoundation.org or St Jude www.stjude.org in honor of Charles Eschenbach.. The Tidewell Hospice House has a special place in the family's heart as they helped both Barbara and Tod transition, and the family could not be more grateful for love and support the company has for families.

Tributes

Susan Lynden wrote on Feb 6, 2022:

"Sincere sympathy to the family for this loss. I will miss my friend. "

Kay wrote on Feb 4, 2022:

"Our deepest condolences to the Eschenbauch family and friends from Kay & Stephanie at Sound Choice Cremation."