Vincent Essner

Vincent Stephen Essner, 92, of Kelso, Mo., died Sunday, September 23, 2012 at his home. He was born July 31, 1920 in New Hamburg, Mo. to Leo W. and Rosa H. Uhrhan Essner. He and Lorena Mary Diebold were married May 4, 1946 at Kelso, Mo. Vincent served in the Army during World War II as a veterinary technician and received four Bronze Stars for campaigns in Southern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Rome-Arno. He was a stitcher at Sports Specialty Shoes in Chaffee. He also worked for Superior Electric and was a farmer. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso and V.F.W. in Scott City. Survivors include four sons, Norman (Dorothy) Essner, Robert (Karla) Essner, Jerome (Beverly) Essner, Kevin (Laurie) Essner, all of Kelso; three daughters, Anna Rose (Francis) Bles, Marilyn (Randal) Friend, Shirley (Greg) Eftink, all of Kelso; four brothers, Simon (Clara) Essner of Kelso, John A. (Ina) Essner of Cape Girardeau, Herman (Dorothy) Essner of Maryland Heights, Mo., Paul W. (Geneva) Essner of New Hamburg, Mo.; 23 grandchildren, Mike Bles, Kristie (Jason) Slinkard, Dan Bles, Lori (David) Blechle, Randy (Amy) Essner, Leeanna (Chad) Seiler, Anton Essner, Aaron Friend, Todd (Stephanie) Friend, Chad Friend, Nathan (Alison) Essner, Bonnie (Jim Maurer) Essner, Lee Essner, Scott (Sarah) Essner, Amy (Ryan) Mattes, Neal (Melissa) Essner, Renee (Matthew) Scroggins, Kyle Essner, Brian (Valarie) Hulshof, Michelle (Ryan) Garnett, Brittany, Madeline and John Essner; 12 great-grandchildren, Zachary and Kendyl Slinkard, Isabella Blechle, Emma Essner, Peyton Friend, Audrey Essner, Cameron Essner, Nicole, Dominic, Kelly and Owen Mattes, Dylan Essner. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son-in-law, Gordon Hulshof. Friends may call 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso. Parish rosary will be at 7:00 PM with Knights of Columbus service following. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso with the Rev. Oliver Clavin officiating. Burial will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Church Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be provided by Missouri Honors Team. Memorial contributions may be given to Notre Dame Foundation or St. Augustine School Foundation.

Tributes

Vincent Essner

September 23, 2012