Alma D. Esser

 Alma D. Esser, age 85, of Lancaster, died on Sunday, January 3, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. She was born on March 19, 1924, in Bloomington, the daughter of Emil and Catherine (Crubel) Meyer. On May 4, 1943, Alma was united in marriage to John P. Esser at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington. Together they farmed in Grant County for almost thirty years. Alma volunteered at Orchard Manor Nursing Home and at Grant Regional Health Center. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, baking, and playing cards, especially euchre. Alma also liked to listen to polka music and Daniel ODonnell. She was a loving mother and grandmother and took great pride in spending time with her daughter, LouAnn.

Survivors include her seven children: Jerry (JoAnne) Esser, Fort Wayne, IN; Delores (Richard) Wagner, Potosi; Leland (Nancy) Esser, Glen Haven; Leonard (Dr. Judy Lambert) Esser, Oshkosh; Diane (Tom) Wagner, McFarland; LouAnn Esser, Lancaster; and Allen (Tami) Esser, Monroe; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; her siblings: Lorraine (Jerry) Roling, Dubuque, IA; Rosie (John) Errthum, Lancaster; Alvina (Cyril) Mumm, Cassville; Arlene (Wayne) Junk, Cassville; and Pat (Bernard) Mumm, Cassville; her sister-in-law, Marge Herbers, Bloomington; a brother-in-law, Don Burke, Platteville; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Alma was preceded in death by her husband, a sister in infancy, a brother, Walter (Joyce) Meyer and a granddaughter, Cathy Hermes.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster at 10:00 a.m. with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Marys Settlement Cemetery, Cassville. Family and Friends called on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster and from 9:00 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.