Dr. Robert E. Esser

Robert E. Esser, age 93, passed away Wednesday December 30, 2009, at Clement Manor. Robert was born in Milwaukee, July 14, 1916, son of the late Joseph and Anna (Nee:Duero) Esser.

On September 16, 1941, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Milwaukee, he was united in marriage to Marjorie E. Boutin who preceded him in death May 28, 2001. Robert received his BS, MS, and PhD from Marquette University. During WWII he taught at Marquette and in 1946 he joined the UW Extension in Racine retiring in 1981 as a Professor in Biology from UW-Parkside.

He was very active in Cub Scouting at the Bartlett Youth Foundation in Racine. Following the death of his daughter Joanne, he and his wife founded the Parents of Murdered Children - Wisconsin Chapter. Also after Joanne’s death, Robert and Marjorie worked hard and were able to help change the laws regarding bail for violent criminals.

Robert was a longtime member of St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time at the family cottage on Pelican Lake. Most of all he enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his four children, Dr. William (Veronica) Esser of Watertown, WI, Joseph (Mary Ann) Esser of Oconomowoc, WI, James (Mary Ann) Esser of Rochester, NY, Kathleen (John) Hesse of East Troy, WI; seven grandchildren, Dr. Jerome (Kathleen) Esser, Christopher (Lynn) Esser, Michael (Jen) Hesse, Laura (Wes) Hesse-Moran, Paul (Heather) Hesse, Rebecca (Rich) Hesse-Ings, and Elaine (Colin) Williams; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Lois Bach of Milwaukee, WI, Marie Hansen of Tucson, AZ, Marjorie Frederick of Milwaukee, WI, Eunice Esser of Milwaukee, WI, Fr. Paul M. Esser of Nashotah, WI, J. Thomas (Mary) Esser of Wauwatosa, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a daughter, Joanne Esser, on May 26, 1979; a brother, Joseph; and a sister, Grace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Clement Manor Chapel, 3939 S. 92nd St., Milwaukee, with Rev Paul M. Esser officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32, Racine. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at Clement Manor Chapel from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to Clement Manor or St. Ben's Community Meals, Milwaukee, have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine 262-634-7888