Lawrence Esser

Esser, Lawrence MIDDLETON - Lawrence J. Esser, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006, at the Heartland Country Village in Black Earth. He was born on Oct. 19, 1919, in Westport, the son of Mathias and Adeline (Paar) Esser. Lawrence was united in marriage to Mary Jane Maerz on June 19, 1946 in Dane. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. Together Lawrence and Mary Jane farmed and raised five children, during this same time he also was employed with the University of Wisconsin Electric Farm and Charmony Farm for 25 years. On July 22, 2006, Lawrence was able to attend the 150th year sesquicentennial celebration on the Esser Family Farm. In addition to his wife. Mary Jane, Lawrence is survived by five children, Ray (Mary) Esser of Verona, Marlene Esser, of Madison, Diane (Butch) Transue of Stoughton, Ron (Julie) Esser of Waunakee, and Richard Esser of Middleton; eight grandchildren, Tammie (Andy) Arbuckle of Belleville, Jamie Esser of Middleton, Brian (Melissa) Esser of Belleville, Nathan Esser of Milwaukee, Benjamin Esser of Kewaskum, and Zachary, Jenna and Jayden Esser of Waunakee; five great-grandchildren, Hunter Haavind, Ryan and Aaron Arbuckle, and Kyle and Kaylie Esser; three brothers, Andrew (Marie), Norbert (Erna) and George (Barb); and four sisters, Theresa (Leo) Treinen, Margaret Maier, Catherine Outhouse, and Betty Voss. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Adeline Esser; a brother, Eugene; a grandson, Chad Esser; and two brothers-in-law, Donald Voss and Russell Outhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, with Father Tom Kelley presiding. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, where a Scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. Friends may also call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heartland Country Village for their wonderful and loving care. Also thank you to Father Tom Kelley and Sister John Rose Acker for their compassionate support and prayers. To a wonderful husband and father, May God keep you in His everlasting embrace. We thank you for everything youve taught us and for your love and support. This lands my own and by my labors here I have made myself a farm. Found peace no man can harm. A life I understand. This lands my own and by my labors here I have made myself a man. Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral and Cremation Center 2421 Church St. (608) 798-3141 www.gundersonfh.com