Francis Carl ‘Bud’ Esser July 31, 1923 - Aug. 30, 2022
Francis Carl “Bud” Esser, 99 of Prairie du Chien passed away Aug. 30, 2022, at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien.
He was born on July 31, 1923, in Glen Haven, the son of Carl and Clara (Wildman) Esser. Bud served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 as a flight engineer and was stationed in 10 different states. He flew hospital planes in England, Scotland, North Africa, Azores, and South America. After his service, he worked as a mechanic, estimator, and equipment inspector for several U.S. Army depots and defense depots in California. He married Evelyn Weber on Nov. 22, 1947, in Carson City, NV. They were married 58 years until she preceded him in death in 2006. Later, he found another love of his life in Joyce Eilers, whom he spent the rest of his life with. He was always known for telling a good joke and getting a laugh or two. He always had a smile on his face when he would tease someone. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
He is survived by his children, Janice (Don) Goebel, Keith (Shawn) Esser, Ken (LuAnne) Esser, Bob (Marlene) Kinser, and Doug Kinser; his brother, Henry “Buzz” (Mert) Esser and sisters Ethel (Ray) Lamboley and Joyce (Kenneth) Kluesner; and also Joyce Eilers and her children, Steven Eilers, Teresa Richardson, Michael (Darla) Eilers, Brian (Teresa) Eilers, Patrick (Kathy) Eilers, Sheila Roach, and David (Geri) Eilers whom Bud considered part of his family; 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons Eugene Esser and Garrett Kinser, and his sister Mary.
Funeral Services were Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Garrity Funeral Home Chapel, Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends called at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Military Honors were accorded by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard.
