Gladys E. Esser

Gladys E. Esser, age 82, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2014, at her home in Lancaster. She was born on June 21, 1932, in Beetown, the daughter of Henry and Wealthy (Retallick) Robinson. Gladys graduated from Lancaster High School in 1950. Following graduation, she was employed at a department store in Dubuque. On November 23, 1950, Gladys was united in marriage to Frederick Dean Esser in Bloomington. After their marriage, the couple raised a family. Gladys operated various taverns and restaurants and managed her husbands trucking business until her retirement in 1975. She enjoyed spending time with her family, vintage cars, reading, watching television, and going to garage sales and thrift stores. Gladys adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Joseph (Angie) Esser; David Esser; Cheryl Cheri Klaas, all of Lancaster; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Lila (Neal) Shaben, Van Wert, OH; Verna (Thomas) Muller, Aurora, IL; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, and eight brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.

The family would like to thank Homeward Bound, Carol Wentz, and Clarisa Kehoe for the special care they gave Gladys all these years.