Dale E. Esser

Dale E. Esser, age 51 of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 30, 2018, at Grant Regional Health Center, surrounded by family after a courageous one-year battle with cancer. Dale was born on January 14, 1967, the son of Russell and Hazel (Robinson) Esser in Lancaster. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1985 and later from Southwest Technical Community College in their butchering program. Soon after, Dale worked for Bernie Droessler at his scrap metal business on the west side of Lancaster, which he loved. He also worked various other jobs such as an escort driver, saw mill worker, was employed at Walnut Hollow for eleven years, maintenance at the Governor Dodge Hotel, and most recently he spent the past six years working as a groundskeeper for the City of Lancaster Parks Department, which he enjoyed and took great pride in. Dale was a kind and generous person who was always there to lend a helping hand. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Dale loved being outdoors, especially deer hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, or even just building something or tinkering with a small engine. Dale also enjoyed building models, collecting Hot Wheels, going to the thrift stores, auctions, and never missed a garage sale. He loved to tell jokes and goof around and had a quick wit about him that brought much laughter to those around him. If there was a holiday get-together or a special family event, you could always be sure Dale would be there. Besides being a lover of family and friends, one of Dale's greatest loves was the love of animals. He had many pets during his lifetime; his pets were like his babies and the most precious part of his life.
Dale was preceded in death by his father, Russell in 1982; his mother, Hazel in 1993; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.
Survivors include a sister, Julie (Bruce) Yager and two brothers: Tom and Tim (Debbie Schomacher) Esser, all of Lancaster; nephews: Corey, Cody, Tommy and Travis; nieces: Kelly, Nikki, and Jenny; many other special family members and friends; his two cats, Squeaky and Larry and many of his outdoor kitties.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.