Ann Esser

MADISON - Ann Esser, age 79, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 3, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of Donald and Edna (Usher) Woodford.

Larry C. Esser, age 76, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020, after a long battle with ALS. He was born on February 15, 1944, in Cassville, the son of LeRoy and Frances (Kirschbaum) Esser.

Ann graduated from East High School and later attended UW-Stevens Point and cosmetology school. She ran an in-home daycare and later served as a youth minister at both St. Bernard Catholic Church and St. Dennis Catholic Church. Ann loved playing cards with a weekly card club, games, reading, cooking, and guiding our youth. She also loved attending performances at the Overture Center, UW Band concerts and Concerts on the Square. She was the proud grandma of five grandsons and one granddaughter. Ann’s style and clothing were always impeccable, from her earrings to her shoes. Ann loved spending time with her family and going all out for the holidays, Thanksgiving being her favorite.

Larry graduated from Cassville High School in 1962 and received an associate degree in accounting from MATC. He married Ann Woodford on July 5, 1969, in Madison. Larry worked as an auditor for the State and University of Wisconsin retiring in the 90s. He was an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and St. Dennis Catholic Church. He was also a charter member of St. Bernard Knights of Columbus Council No. 9082. Larry belonged to the East Side Club Golf League. He was also part of a small tight knit golf group and even when he was unable to play, his friendships continued.

Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated hockey dad and loved cheering on his grandkids in the sports they played. Larry loved watching his Badgers play hockey, basketball and football, holding season tickets for each at one time. He enjoyed riding his bike to work at the University for many years. Larry was an avid woodworker and gardener and tending to his lawn and gardens were some of his favorite pastimes.

Larry and Ann are survived by their three children, Kevin (Kathy) Esser, Kurt (Mara) Esser and Carrie (Mike) Aulik; grandchildren, Aidan, Sage, and Quinn Bittinger-Esser, Logan Esser, Cody (Dawn) Aulik and Julia Aulik; and a great-grandson, Colter Aulik. They were preceded in death by their parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ann and Larry will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, with Father Mike Resop presiding. Burial will follow in Windsor Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dick and Jan Rinehart, for their love, support and the many ways they helped Ann. We would also like to thank Riverwood Senior Living Memory care staff for their kindness, patience and their excellent care of Mom and to SSM Health Hospice at Home for their wonderful care given to Ann.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420