David Lawrence Esser, age 84, of Redfield, South Dakota passed away on December 16, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born May 20, 1935 in Redfield, South Dakota, the son of Dora and Lawrence Esser.
Dave was a US Marine, serving during the Korean War. He worked for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company for 25 years and then for US West retiring after a combined 32 years where met many lifelong friends.
Dave married Marlene Flohr in Billings, Montana in March of 1957. They had four children; Mike, Linda, Brenda and Theresa. He met Joyce Reinhardt at the Red Rock Supper Club in 1978 where they loved to dance. They were married a year later in Miles City. Dave and Joyce spent six months in Redfield, South Dakota and six months in Green Valley, Arizona where they enjoyed the winters and loved to golf, which became a passion later in life.
Dave loved fishing and watching football. His favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings and he was able to attend several games. He coached junior high basketball at Sacred Heart for many years. He was in the “chain gang” for the Sacred Heart Football games for many years. He followed his kids in in all their activities and was proud of each one. He was a loving and strict father. Celebrating his 80th birthday with a party in Miles City was a highlight for Dave.
Dave is survived by his wife, Joyce Esser of Redfield, SD; his children: Mike (June) Esser of Colstrip, MT; Linda (Darryl) Moore of Miles City, MT; Brenda (Steve) Koski of Tucson, AZ and Theresa Esser of Miles City; a step-son, Mitch Reinhardt and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dora (Hartford) and Lawrence Esser; brothers Don Esser, Dick Esser; a sister Joann Davidson, an infant son Joseph Esser (October 1962), a granddaughter Nicole Esser and a step-son Mike Reinhardt.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all the Esser families.
Melinda Tangen says
My condolences to the Esser family.
Linda Meidinger says
So sorry to the Esser family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and may he rest in peace. Richard and LInda
Carmen Jablinske says
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers as you say goodbye to your Dad. So many great childhood memories with all of you! Sending hugs and love.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about your father Will keep you in my prays
Kevin & Lori Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with the Esser Family.
Ron Hathaway says
Best damn chain gang I had the privilege to work with. Dave was always good for a cup of coffee at the Met cafe. Rest In Peace my friend. Ron Hathaway
Megan (Berg) King says
Thoughts and prayers to the Esser family as you celebrate Dave’s life.
Susan ODaniel says
What a character Dave was! There was never a dull moment when he was around! We had many good times with Dave. Loved watching him dance and laughing to a good story! The world will be a quieter place without Dave! All our sympathy to Joyce and all the Esser kids and families! Love Jerry and Susie ODaniel
Trx zperelli says
Prayers to the family. It’s always hard to lose a loved one. My prayers go to my friend Brenda. I am thanking of you and your family and pray you will get thorough this. Tex and Ron
Jeff Makelky says
Dave was my confirmation sponsor and my middle school basketball coach at Sacred Heart. Thank you Dave, and Esser family for all the great memories growing up on N. Lake street in Miles City, and during my years as a student at Sacred Heart grade, middle and high school. Godspeed coach!
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
My deepest condolences to Theresa and the entire family. Hugs and Prayers!
LeAnn Rhodes says
Joyce, and family my deepest condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of working and sharing laughs with Joyce while you both lived in Broadus. May the Lord comfort each of you at this time of your lives.
Kurt and Sondi Cadlo says
Mike, Linda, Brenda, Theresa and families Sondi and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephani Schumacher-Collins says
Brenda and Linda,
You both and your families are in my thoughts.
Take care,
Stephani Schumacher-Collins