Bernadette Kathryn Esser

CROSS PLAINS-Bernadette Esser, age 102, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at St. Marys Care Center. She was born on Dec. 12, 1908, in Cross Plains, the daughter of Bernard and Anna (Frieden) Faust. Bernadette married her school days classmate, Roman J. Esser on Aug. 23, 1932. He affectionately referred to her as Sister Bernadette, and they lived their entire life in Cross Plains. Bernadette was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Grade School and then from Middleton High School in 1927. She was a graduate of St. Marys School of Nursing in 1930. She was the last living classmate from the 1930's class and was honored by Frank Byrne (the president of St. Marys) at her 100th birthday. Bernadette was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, President of Christian Mothers, and was very involved in planning church activities. She was active as a nurse initially then as a private nurse for many years as she raised her own family. Bernadette volunteered with the Red Cross blood mobile for more than 50 years, where she started the Cross Plains blood mobile program, and was active with the St. Marys Auxilliary as a volunteer until her health prevented her from continuing to do it. She is survived by her son, Wayne (Janet) Esser of Cross Plains; son-in-law, Ed Post of Mt. Horeb; grandchildren, Jeff (Ann) Post, Mary Jo (Randy) Nelson, Steve (Jeanne) Post, Mona (Paul) Kirsop, Larry (Kathy) Esser, Linda (Steve) Wilkins, Jack (Stephanie) Esser, and Jeannie (Glenn) Wahlgren; granddaughter-in-law, Sarah (Curt) Post; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Mildred Luhman; and sister-in-law, Vi Elliott. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Wanda Post; husband, Roman J. Esser; grandson, Curt Post; and sisters, Hyacinth Esser, Leola Miller, and Beatrice Stampfl; and brother-in-law, Del (Phyllis) Esser. Funeral services will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. In lieu of flowers, masses and special intentions are suggested to St. Francis Xavier School endowment fund. A special thanks to Dr. Dan Jarzemsky, Father Tom Kelley, Sr. John Rose, Doug and staff at Girlies Manor and the staff at St. Marys Care Center. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, masses and special intentions are suggested to St. Francis Xavier School endowment fund. Cemetery: Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Service: Funeral services will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding.