Michael Peter Esser

Middleton-Michael Peter "Precious" Esser, age 67, died Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare after a long battle with Cancer. He was born on October 6, 1947 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, the son of Gilbert and Arlene (Vosen) Esser. Mike was raised on the family farm in Middleton, attended St. Bernard's Catholic grade school and graduated from Middleton High School in 1966. Mike immediately enlisted into the U.S. Army 25th infantry and honorably served in the Vietnam War. He remained active in the reserves with the 826th Ord. Co. in Madison. Sergeant First Class Michael Esser was again called to duty in 1990 to serve in Desert Shield/Storm. He then retired from the Army on October 6, 2007. Mike was married to Kathleen Ann Bowar on May 9, 1970. He was an employee of the UW-Madison Grounds Dept. and retired in 2004. He was a lifelong member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton. Mike enjoyed traveling with family, helping his brother on the farm, playing euchre, hosting Badger/Packer games, researching war history, bartending at the Good Neighbor Festival VFW Beer Tent and spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Mike was a lifetime member of the Wm. "Sonny" Simon VFW Post 8216 and the Cross Plains-Middleton American Legion Post#245. He was also a member of the Wisconsin Vietnam Veteran Chapter III. In addition to his wife, Kathy survivors include his three children: David Esser (Jennifer Ripp), Corine (Tad) Stepan, Geoff (Tammy) Esser; four grandchildren: Kade and Trent Stepan, Zachary and Madelyn Esser; his father, Gilbert; aunt Martha Esser; brothers, James (Sharon) Esser, Thomas (the late Doris Esser) ; sisters, Carol Esser, Kathy (George) Brumm and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, on Monday, August 10, from 4 until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to time of service at the church. Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Ashton. A luncheon will follow at St. Bernard's Church Hall.In lieu of flowers please send memorials to UW Carbone Cancer Center or Agrace HospiceCare.We would like to extend a special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare especially Ann Wynn who always brought humor and a smile to Mike's face on her regular visits. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761