Marilyn K. Esser
January 30, 1935 - August 18, 2014
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Marilyn Kathryn (Ball) Esser, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18th, surrounded by her family under the care of Sylvan Crossing and Agrace HospiceCare.
A wonderful mother, NaNa and big sister, Marilyn was a gifted artist, musician, and vocalist. Her beautiful soprano voice has left a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. She directed the St. Bernard’s Choir in Middleton, Wisconsin for years and The Glory Road Singers, a men’s choir in Ashton, Wisconsin to name just a few. Throughout the years, she traveled around the world, including many times to Europe, singing with the Diocesan Choir. One of Marilyn’s greatest honors was when she was asked to co-conduct at Carnegie Hall where she led the St. Bernard’s Choir. Marilyn formed many special friendships over her lifetime of song. Other hobbies and interests included gardening, oil painting, stained glass, swimming, and spending time with her family and friends. She retired from Strand Engineering in Madison where she was an office manager for many years.
Marilyn was the oldest of nine children, a true matriarch, admired by her siblings and proud of her role. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerard A. Ball, Sr. and her mother, Mae Kathryn Ball. She is survived by her sisters Sheri Ball, Patricia Ball, Carole Colletti (Jerry Raemisch), Ginger Ball (Dick Jeidy), Cindy Kroetz (Jerry), Mary Beth Ball, Barbara Schweiss (Chuck) and her brother Gerard Ball Jr. (Kathy Regan) and special sister, Judy King. She also leaves behind her four daughters, Laura Duke (Jered), Lisa Esser, Margo Komplin, and Michele Esser, and nine Grandsons Ryan Esser (Leia), Mason and Nolan Splinter, Christopher, Cameron and Connor Duke, Kyle, Drew and Blake Komplin. There are also many special nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who will miss Marilyn and her gentle spirit. Her melody will continue on in our hearts forever. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave, Middleton at 12:30 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2014, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Service
Thu Aug 21, 2014 @ 12:30 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Photos
No photos of Marilyn have been shared yet.
Memories
BB
Bobbi Briggs
Other •
To Marilyn's girls; Laura, Lisa, Margo and Michele. For many years I felt as though I was a part of your family. You all welcomed me to several family functions, and often at Marilyn's home. She was always so kind to me and made me feel at home. I will never forget that.
With Deepest Sympathy and Love;
Bobbi Briggs
TH
Tracey Hagedon
Other •
My deepest sympathy is with you all in your time of need! Chuck and Tracey Hagedon
PG
Patrick Gorman
Other •
On behalf of the Madison Diocesan Choir I would like to offer sympathy to all of the family. Marilyn was an important part of the choir even after her departure many years ago. She had a beautiful voice and a kind spirit. I pray that she is now singing with the choirs of angels around God's throne.
Pat Gorman
DK
Don Knorr
Other •
My thoughts and prayers go out to all that knew and loved Marilyn.
I have very fond memories of Marilyn making all, that is all, of the engineers at Strand look better and smarter. Her dedication to us all will be remember by many.
To Marilyn, you will be missed by all.
SP
Sue Pope
Other •
Marilyn, we've shared so many memories. It all began after we first met at Edgewood High. I loved singing around the piano with friends and family at your house. You, with your beautiful voice and I just loved to be able to sing my heart out, happy I couldn't be heard above the rest. After high school our friendship survived while we attended UW, and then through years of many changes and separation by many miles. When you returned to Madison years later we renewed our shared interest in art--you with a paintbrush which seemed to magically produce such beautiful paintings, and me with my pencils,
trying to capture a likeness through portraits. Most important, Marilyn, I treasured you as a true friend, a rare gift, that I am so fortunate to have experienced. My sincere sympathy to your entire family and Michelle, I will never forget what a comfort it was to have you as a nurse by my side at UW Hospital in 2004. May your entire family feel comfort in the many, many happy memories . I feel so honored today
to be invited to sing with the St. Bernard's choir at your service. The circle will be complete. You will not be forgotten
Love Ya, Sue Pope