Joseph R. Esser

Joseph Reiner Esser, age 78, of Cassville, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017, at his residence milking cows like he did most of his life. He was born on November 10, 1939, at his lifelong home on Camel Ridge Road in Waterloo Township, the son of Reiner and Margaret (Brinkman) Esser. Joe went to "sister school" in Cassville and high school as well. He served in the United States Army from 1963 until 1965. Joe farmed with his brother, Bob, and his father, for many years until Joe was able to purchase the farm. On October 23, 1987, he was united in marriage Joyce M. Battisti and they made their home in Burton until his father passed away in 1999. Joe was an honest and straightforward guy that everybody liked. He loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers and was a gold cross member of St. Charles Catholic Church and a member of the Mumm Welch American Legion Post No. 352 of Cassville.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Joyce; his step-daughter, Michelle (Wyatt) Moore; step-sons: Shayne (Teresa) and Steel Battisti; his siblings: Bob (Alverna) Esser; Mary Lou Hardy; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Francis; brother-in-law, Gary Hardy; a nephew, Richard Hardy.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, with Fr. John Meinholz officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Burton Cemetery, Waterloo Township. Family and friends may call on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Cassville is assisting the family.