Obit: Esselman, Richard J. “Dick” (1932 – 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Esselman, Altemus, Lindner, Szmanski, Overboe, Beaver, Johnson

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 1/21/2021

Esselman, Richard J. “Dick” (1 March 1932 – 20 January 2021)

Richard J. “Dick” Esselman, 88, of Loyal, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Richard John Esselman was born on March 1, 1932 in Loyal, to Joseph C. and Phyllis E. (Altemus) Esselman. Richard attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1949. While in high school, he enjoyed many activities including, playing football and trumpet in the high school band. He was also president of his junior and senior classes. Dick was united in marriage to Helen Ann Lindner on June 3, 1953 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood, and they raised nine children.

He farmed with his dad southwest of Loyal for five years, before purchasing the farm, which he and Helen worked until retiring in 1996. After retiring from farming, Richard worked at Smith Feeds in Loyal, and continued with the company after it was purchased by Vita Plus. He retired from Vita Plus in 2016.

Richard enjoyed polka and square dancing and watching the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, traveling many miles to cheer them on.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Helen, of 67 years; his children: Mike (Maggie) of Douglas, WY, Don of Wausau, Dave (Cindy) of Loyal, John (Cheri) of Spencer, Bill (Cindy) of Chili, Pat (Annette) of Wausau, Margie (Rick) Szymanski of Loyal, Ed (Linda) of Chili, and Jeanne (Craig) Overboe of Sauk City; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister: MaryAnn (Jim) Beaver of Loyal, one brother: Lawrence (Julia) of Loyal; three sisters-in-law: Virginia Esselman of Oak Creek, Josie Lindner of Greenwood, and Helen Lindner of Mosinee; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Andrew; one daughter, Sandra Kay; his parents, and two brothers: Charles and Clemens.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal. Rev. Leo Johnson will officiate, and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Dick's sons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held at the church, on Monday, from 9 a.m. until time of service. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Anthony Parish website at: www.stanthonyloyal.org.