Richard ‘Dick’ Esselman

Richard J. “Dick” Esselman, 88, Loyal, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 25, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. Rev. Leo Johnson officiated, and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Dick’s sons served as pallbearers.

Richard John Esselman was born on March 1, 1932, in Loyal, to Joseph C. and Phyllis E. (nee Altemus) Esselman. Richard attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1949. While in high school, he enjoyed many activities including playing football and trumpet in the high school band. He was also president of his junior and senior classes. Dick was united in marriage to Helen Ann Lindner on June 3, 1953, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood, and they raised nine children. He farmed with his dad southwest of Loyal for five years, before purchasing the farm, which he and Helen worked until retiring in 1996. After retiring from farming, Richard worked at Smith Feeds in Loyal, and continued with the company after it was purchased by Vita Plus. He retired from Vita Plus in 2016. Richard enjoyed polka and square dancing, and watching the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, traveling many miles to cheer them on.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Helen, of 67 years; his children: Mike (Maggie) of Douglas, Wyo., Don of Wausau, Dave (Cindy) of Loyal, John (Cheri) of Spencer, Bill (Cindy) of Chili, Pat (Annette) of Wausau, Margie (Rick) Szymanski of Loyal, Ed (Linda) of Chili, and Jeanne (Craig) Overboe of Sauk City; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister: MaryAnn (Jim) Beaver of Loyal; one brother: Lawrence (Julia) Esselman of Loyal; three sisters-in-law: Virginia Esselman of Oak Creek, Josie Lindner of Greenwood, and Helen Lindner of Mosinee; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Andrew; one daughter, Sandra Kay; his parents; and two brothers: Charles and Clemens.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 100014