Celebration of Life will be determined at a later date.
Lynn Essex (61) passed away peacefully on November 30th, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital, Billings, MT.
Lynn was born on September 23, 1961 to Jeanne and Denny Ludwig in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. In 1982 she married Charles Riemer and together they had Charles (Chuck) and Sean. She then moved to Montana, raising her boys on her own while putting herself through school. It was in Montana she met the love of her life and her soul mate, JT Essex. They were married on August 7th, 1999. With JT’s two children, Tory and Kimi, their family was complete.
Lynn worked as a nurse for many years. Giving time to both St. Vincent Hospital and Billings Clinic. She received her Masters Degree in Nursing Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage, making her father one of the proudest men on earth! She was a special woman who loved her family with all her heart. In Lynn’s down time she enjoyed cooking and loving her dog, Piper.
Lynn is survived by her husband of 23 years, JT Essex, her mother Jeanne Ludwig, her mother in law, Garnet Essex, her children Chuck (Anna) Riemer (Ft. Meyers, FL), Sean Riemer (Billings, MT), Tory Essex, (Billings, MT), Kimi (Greg) Bush (Sheridan, WY), siblings Lisa (Brian) Schmidt (Elkhorn, WI) and Lori (Erich) Reinl (Elkhorn, WI), grandchildren Liam Contreraz, Aleata & Mason Riemer, Miley and Karleigh Essex, Adeline Bush and twin grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and in-laws.
Lynn was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Ludwig, brother Carey Ludwig, brother-in-law, Aaron Essex and father-in-law, Terry Essex.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Maretta Freshour says
We are so sorry for your loss JT. Thinking of you always
Ward and Kristee Weischedel says
So sorry to hear of Lynn’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Penny Clifton says
Lynn and I were thick as thieves at SVH. We were in our Master’s programs together. I am just stunned by this. I had just talked to her a few weeks back and she was SO happy to be retired and working with her best friend. It goes without saying that she did phenomenal work as a nurse. But it also must be said that she was true and loyal and had such integrity and the quality of the care given by the nurses she was training really mattered to her. Word is slowly getting around the building here today and eyes are filling with tears and we are all very confused. She kept her private life private but we all knew this. She LOVED that husband of hers and when he was out of state she was out of sorts. When he came home to stay, she was over the moon. Our hearts and hands and thoughts to him and ALL who loved her.
Sam Kaufman says
JT- my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will miss her BIG smile and that laugh. She sure did love you and that sweet Piper puppy. Her family was her pride and joy. She molded so many great nurses. Please know her legacy of caring and healing will live on through those that had the honor of learning from one of the best. Lynn- you will be missed my friend.
Carla Cooling says
I have so many fond memories and how she made me laugh about crazy times at work. I am so very sorry about your loss. I don’t even know how to express how much Lynn will be missed.
Lynn, thank you for touching my life in so many wonderful ways. Your love for your family, furbabies and nursing was amazing to witness. May you rest in peace.
Bry R says
Lynn was one of the kindest people I have ever met. I respected her more than words. I cannot tell you how helpful she was as I started educating at SVH. She will be so very missed in this world. Condolences to her family.
Janet Wolf Fendos says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Lynn. I was a classmate of hers at Elkhorn Area High School. Her father, Dennis, and my father, Don Wolf, ran a very successful Income Tax Business for 40 years in Elkhorn. I have probably not seen Lynn since graduating from high school but remember her as a very kind soul. My condolences to the Ludwig/Essex families.
Ellen Westrich says
I met Lynn when I married her mom’s cousin Ron Westrich. I found her to be a very funny lady who could be very serious when the time called for it. I loved watching her interact with her mom and sisters. The love between them all was very evident. I too will miss you Lynn. My love and sympathy to JT, the “boys”, Jeanne and Lisa and Lori.
Carolyn E Hays says
JT, so sorry to hear of your loss. Wasn’t aware you were in Shepherd. Did you know that Doug also lives in Shepherd? I’m in Pompeys Pillar and would love to see you if you hve the time to stop by sometime. Give my regards to the rest of your family for me. Cooky (Johnson) Hays
Connie Emmett says
Wow So sorry to hear of this. I know her from St V and she was a delight and always a big help. Big heart. So sorry.
Michelle Nelson says
I’m at a loss. She was one of best people I have known. I took a position at SVH a few offices down, and was told Lynn is a good “go to person” for any questions! She truly was, and what developed from that was a wonderful friendship. I remember our laughs and sometime funny challenges of figuring problems out. She’d bop her head into my office and say hello as she strolled by; she truly loved what she did as a nurse educator. Lynn, you will be oh so missed by all, but your legacy will truly live on. God Speed my friend!
Gayle Essex says
JT, we are shocked and saddened to hear of Lynn,s passing. Our heart goes out to you and all her family. She was always so kind anytime we were together. Our prayers are with you all. Love Larry and Gayle
Sheila Haselhuhn says
JT, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. Grief is such a powerful emotion and state of mind. Please know that there are family and friends to support you. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Jana Hite Rice says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Louis and Peggy Pulver says
JT and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Keep your special memories of Lynn close to your heart, they will help you now. Know that there are many family and friends that are here to help you during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Smith says
I’m so saddened to hear of Lynn’s passing. Having been her boss for a period of time, I always knew whether she was happy, sad, frustrated – she wore her emotions on the outside. I remember many great conversations, coaching sessions, problem solving sessions, and so many laughs together. Lynn was one who would do whatever she could to help others and it was evident she truly wanted people to succeed. She took those new nurses under her wing. A great person. May you rest in peace my friend.
Lisa Schmidt says
Lynn is not only my sister, she was my best friend. Her leaving has left a huge hole in my heart and in my life. When we were in school, our bus driver used to call us three girls “Charlie’s Angels” because we were always late for the bus and had to run down the road in order to catch it. Lynn is now truly an Angel. I can see her now sitting with Dad and Carey having a drink and talking about old times. I will miss her so very much.
Kathy Kamenick Arendt says
So very sorry for your loss. I grew up near the Ludwig family in Elkhorn, WI and have fond memories of Lynn, her parents and her siblings. Sending prayers of strength and comfort to all the Essex and Ludwig families. Hope she’s enjoying the company of her dad and brother who went before her.
Colleen Waydick says
I have so many memories of growing up with Lynn, Lisa and Lori.. I remember the three of them singing Leader of the Pack together. And at Christmas when I was very young and someone opened a present the girls would all say “ooohhhh” and Mike and Carey would respond with “ahhhh”. Lynn was the first person I told that the reason for my breakup was that my boyfriend was gay. She was super supportive and chill. I am so glad she came that year in Petosi for camping and she managed to get my kids to do dishes and clean up with 2 words and a look. #ParentingGoals. And then finally the three cousins let me in to see Jimmy Buffet with them and so much fun I had! Lynn-it’s not fair that you are gone but give mom, dad, grandma and everyone my love. Colleen
Connie Capra says
JT, Chuck, Sean and families, I was shocked and saddened to hear Lynn passed. It was fun to be around her when you boys were in school and then to get to see her at work was a bonus! I can still hear her laugh. She was such a happy go lucky person. She loved her family! Hold the good memories close to your heart and reflect on them to get you through the hard times. She will be missed!
Marcus Belgarde says
sorry for your loss JT
Lori Reinl (Ludwig) says
I find myself going about each day in a haze. I say to myself, “I can’t believe you are gone.” She was my sister, my friend, my role model and one of, if not, the strongest women I knew. Dad and Mom raised an incredible woman. As strong as she was, having survived so many tough times over the years, so independent from day 1, moving to Janesville, raising Sean and Chuck to be the amazing and caring men they are, being an incredible and loving parent to Kimi and Tory, putting herself through Nursing School and getting her masters, she had such a soft and loving core. As JT knows, If you were lucky enough to be loved by her you knew you had someone to be treasured. Mom and Dad and the entire family were so proud and amazed (not surprised though!) of the beautiful and amazing woman she turned out to be. I always remember that when she met Erich, she told me, “Oh, he is handsome, you hold on to him!” (I am paraphrasing but that was the message!) When Lisa and I would meet her for our sister’s wine weekends we laughed like crazy and loved those times (Solvang at the Hitching Post, Willamette (Dammit) Valley in Oregon at McMenamin’s Lodge and of course Potosi to name just a couple of amazing memories with the 3 of us) We were as close as any 3 sisters could be, respecting our distinct differences but cherishing the love we have between us. Lynn was Lisa’s best friend, Lynn was my best friend, Lisa is my best friend, I know I am Lisa’s best friend. Please spend time with, love and embrace the time you have with those you love. Things change so fast. You leave a huge hole Lynn Sue Wong Chong Sow. (A family thing, I couldn’t help myself!)
Kelly Young says
J.T. and family, just learned of Lynn’s passing. First met her when she came into Sam’s room as his nurse when he had surgery 17 years ago. When I saw her name tag asked her who she was married too. I had not known you had remarried. She was an excellent nurse. Never got to know her well because would only see you briefly at funerals and such. You guys always seemed so happy. So sorry for your loss.
Cheryl McClintock says
I am an RN here at St Vincent Healthcare and just found out about Lynn’s passing today. I am very shocked and Lynn was so young . Lynn was a lovely person and always had a smile and so helpful. I pray for the family of Lynn. Rest in the arms of Jesus my friend.