Karl and Mary Eschelbach Deer Creek Library District Fund

This Designated Fund was started in April of 2023 by Mary E. Eschebach.  The fund provides annual unrestricted distributions to the Deer Creek Library District (or its successor organizations).

The Karl and Mary Eschelbach family has always been interested in growing their community.  Karl and Mary both served on the Deer Creek Village Board as trustees and members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission.  Karl especially loved the Deer Creek Summer Celebrations, Safe Routes to School program, and the Deer Creek Community Center project.  The Eschelbachs considered the Deer Creek Senior Dinners in April and October each year one of their most enjoyable volunteer opportunities in Deer Creek.  Their work with "Plant Your Roots in Deer Creek" provided new trees in Mischler Park.  Mary especially put her best effort forward in gathering history for the 1988 History of Deer Creek, Illinois Vol. II.  It was published for the sesquicentennial celebration in 1988.  Along with many helpers, Karl and Mary were able to restore the Stumbaugh Cemetery in Montgomery Township, Illinois.  Karl's Bike Orphanage repaired 1,500 bicycles though a program with the Knights of Columbus of Morton, Illinois.  As a person who will always remain a volunteer, Mary is looking forward to how Deer Creek will be blessed by our God in the future.  The Karl H. and Mary E. Eschelbach Fund to support the Deer Creek District Library, a Component Fund of the Morton Community Foundation will be one such effort.

Mary writes: “We leave a legacy when we serve our fellowman, be it in a large or small way.  Through the Karl H. and Mary E. Eschelbach Fund to benefit the Deer Creek District Library, we strive to support readers of all ages in the community in which we have lived since 1977.  Additionally, we pay tribute to its director, staff, and board of directors.  The Deer Creek District Library is an institution that is needed now and well into the future.  We thank everyone who in the future will contribute to this fund.”