Personside - 153

Fra The Greenville News, 08-06-2007:

Ove Esrum
Naperville, Ill.
 

Ove Esrum passed away on July 25, 2007. Born in Aarhus, Denmark, he was 90 years old. Ove is survived by two daughters: Eva Esrum of Fountain Inn, S.C., and Lise Leonard (husband Chuck, son, Erik) of Naperville, Ill. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Gudrun "Lise", brother, Carl Henry, and parents, Carl and Jeanette.

Ove described himself as a "lifelong learner and loved reading." He earned academic scholarships enabling him to attend college during the Depression. Ove earned a B.S. in science in 1936 and an M.S. in civil and structural engineering in 1941. He also earned a business administration diploma in 1964 and a bachelor of law degree in 1980.

Using his job at the Civil Defense as a cover, Ove participated in the Resistance Movement during the German Occupation of Denmark (April 9, 1940-May, 4, 1945) by printing illegal newspapers and false identifications. After World War II, Ove determined to pursue HVAC engineering and the "American dream."

In 1951, he joined a consulting firm in New York City and was granted U.S. citizenship in 1956. He married fellow Dane, Gudrun Elise Rasmussen, in 1954. They raised two daughters while residing in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio and South Carolina.

In Greenville, from 1979 to 1999, they were active at First Presbyterian Church. Ove and Lise moved to Wheaton, Ill., in 1999. Ove was a loving husband, father, grandfather and one very proud American.

Internment will be at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, Ill.