James Edward Esselman,
June 27, 1952 - May 18, 2015
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE-James E. Esselman, age 62, of Sun Prairie, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital with his loving family by his side, on Monday, May 18, 2015. He was born on June 27, 1952, in Chippewa Falls, the son of Charles and Pauline (Erhardt) Esselman. He was united in marriage to Sandra Lerch on Feb. 3, 1973, in Oshkosh. Jim attended Oshkosh Lourdes Academy and graduated in 1970. After high school, he attended and graduated from UW Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. After graduation, Jim was employed with Grant Thorton Accounting as a CPA in Appleton and later established his own business, Integrated Capital Financial in Eau Claire. In 1989 Jim was recruited as a Comptroller for the State Medical Society of Wisconsin. In 2001, Jim pursued a dream/passion of his and became a massage therapist. He later opened Professional Massage Therapy in Sun Prairie. He was a long time WIAA referee for football and basketball and was privileged to have refereed for a 2003 WIAA football state tournament championship game. Jim was an Eagle Scout, and enjoyed traveling, playing cribbage, watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, social dancing, landscaping, making home improvements and especially spending time with his family at their cottage on Legend Lake. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; children, Patrick (Kim) Esselman of Appleton, Carrie Pearson of Sun Prairie and Kristi (Corey) Spatola of Sun Prairie; six grandchildren, Dylan, Reese, Alyssa, Drew, Talya and Logan; mother, Pauline; sister, Barb Esselman; brother, Pete (Jeanne) Esselman; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; and brother, Chuck. Funeral services will be held at OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 550 Lincoln Dr., Sun Prairie, at 1 p.m., on Friday, May 22, 2015, with the Rev. Julie Krahn presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jim Esselman memorial fund or the American Red Cross. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
There are no events for James yet.
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
JJ
Jack Jasensky
Other •
The passing of Jim came as a complete shock to me. I began my WIAA football career several years ago in Waunakee officiating youth football. Jim refereed these games at the time and we got to know one another. Jim was patient and always was willing to help me out and answer as many questions I may have for him. I then joined the SWOA and learned Jim was a member as well. We talked a lot and the last time we spoke was at the 2013 SWOA clinic at Edgewood High school. Jim had a master officiating license and I knew any question I asked him I would receive the correct answer. His kind and gentle approach to new officials left a huge impression on me which continues today. The SWOA clinic will not be the same this year without Jim but I'm sure we will all speak about him and the lovely times we shared together. Thanks Jim for helping me out and I will never forget you. To Jim's family I wish to say that he will be with me this fall when I take to the football field and like always will remember what he taught me. Rest in peace my friend!!
Jack Jasensky
McFarland, Wi.
BL
Bob Limke
Other •
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. It had been my pleasure to see Jim professionally for years, and I grew to think of him as more than a patient, but as a friend I could chat with at the hardware store, of get some advice or treatment on getting rid of that aching back from working on that great smile of his! I have the pleasure of knowing some of his family, and have watched them grow over the years, and I can see those smiling eyes in his kids and grand-kids. My condolences to your family in this dark time, but take solace in the fact that he changed many lives with his gifts. Bob Limke, Sun Prairie, WI
JL
Jan Lumsden
Other •
My memories of Jim go WAY back as I have known Sandy since grade school days in Oshkosh, WI. I cannot believe that they were married for 42 years! I always enjoyed the updated photos as Christmas, Sandy, of your family. This journey we are on...called life...has many ups and down and I pray the memories of the good days will keep you and your family going in the months and years to come. Sending my love and prayers. Jan (March) Lumsden
VR
Virginia Rose
Other •
I am very saddened to hear of Jim's passing to the other side. His gentle compassionate spirit defined his character and his gift to those who knew him. I will miss his healing massages, as they were the best I've ever experienced because he brought such great integrity to his profession. I send loving condolences to Sandy and Jim's family and would like them to know that he will always be remembered for his goodness.
In love & light,
Virginia Rose
LD
Lindsey Dahm
Other •
So very sorry to hear this! My thoughts and love to the Esselman Family!
Lindsey Dahm
DZ
Diane Zelhofer
Other •
To Jim's wife Sandy, his children, grandchildren, mother, siblings and extended family and friends please accept my sincere condolences. I went to Lourdes High School with Jim, so long ago now. It seems he lead an incredibly full and talented life, something to take comfort in and remember fondly in the days to come. My heart goes out to you all. Diane Zelhofer (class of '70)