Leona E. Esser

The year was 1914.  Woodrow Wilson was president, the passenger pigeon became extinct, Charlie Chaplin's most famous character The Little Tramp, premiered in theaters, and Leona Esser began her century long journey on Earth. Born on January 9 to Hugo and Lucy Hoessel, Leona, the oldest of 5 children, grew-up in rural Wisconsin, with most of her life lived in the village of Cross Plains.  Never a stranger to hard work and helping family, the teen-age Leona sought work as a domestic.  Her most memorable interview was with the family of Aldo Leopold. On November 5, 1932, Leona married John Esser and together they raised 3 children.  Leona helped support her family by working as a waitress at Oscar and Marguerite's (later known as Shelton's) where she frequently waited on Frank Lloyd Wright.   Leona and John led a quiet life, but their house filled with noise and laughter as her children and grandchildren gathered for sumptuous holiday meals and a fast-paced game of Old Maid or Scrabble.  When John unexpectedly passed away in 1976, Leona made sure the family traditions continued and each Christmas, she would play John's favorite recording of the Chipmunk's Christmas song. There are so many notable moments in a century of life.  If you asked people who knew Leona what they most remembered about her, hands-down, they would say it was her lemon meringue pies.  Leona's pies were known to have caused small riots at bake sales.   Along with her love of baking, Leona's passions were gardening, birding, opera and books.   She was also a devout woman who fervently believed a new journey awaited her when she left this life.  On July 19, 2015, Leona Esser ended her earthly journey and set sail on her Heavenly adventure.   Leona is survived by her children, Betty Foye, David (Dawn) Esser, Rocile Bedward, her sister, Lois Endres and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.   Those who went before Leona, were her parents, husband John, brothers, George and Ralph, sisters, Rocile and Dolores, and son-in-laws John Foye and Roger Bedward. The family wishes to thank Heartland Country Village for the years of care given to Leona. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2015, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding.  Friends may visit before the service from 10-11 a.m.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.   "For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place    The flood may bear me far,I hope to see my Pilot face to face  When I have crost the bar."  Tennyson.