Ronald Joseph Esser

Ronald “Ron” Joseph Esser, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on August 16, 2023, peacefully at home.

Ron met the love of his life, Shirley (Harrison).

Ron spent most of his career working at Firestone. He also enjoyed family time, from coaching hockey to boating with the kids, to sneaking in a couple trips to Mexico with Shirley, he truly enjoyed life.

Ron was strong-willed, had a great sense of humor, and his love for life was unmatched! He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, Steven (Jamie) Huseth and Sara (Tom) Galle, teaching them how to play Euchre, playing endless hours of Washers and Jarts in the backyard, kickball with old tire treads, and of course, dinner by candlelight.

A true joy of Ron’s life was when he became a Great Grandpa. From riding the kids around on his lawnmower, to Face Timing them, to spraying them with a hose from behind a bush at Easter, he loved them fiercely and enjoyed every minute he got to spend with them. His memory will live on through them; Cadin Huseth (17), Ethan Galle (14), and Brooklyn Galle (11).

Ron found peace in the simplest of things, from enjoying a glass of whiskey in his gazebo to napping in his outdoor swing. He was a loyal member of Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church. He also loved to travel to Germany to visit his dear companion, Anneliese Baucke, where they would enjoy a bier while he donned his official lederhosen.

He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. Ron truly lit up the room with his personality. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; brother, Vern; father, William; and Mother, Anne. He is further survived by his children - Catherine (John) Huseth, Ronald (Kathi) Esser, Rita (Mike) Lingen, and Brian Esser; his grandchildren, Steven (Jamie) Huseth and Sara (Tom) Galle; his great grandchildren, Cadin Huseth, Ethan Galle, and Brooklyn Galle; siblings - Steve (JoAnn) Esser, Rick (Connie) Esser, and Dorothy (Bill) Gates; and very special companion, Anneliese Baucke. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Agrace Hospice. There will be a private family service at a later date.

God saw you getting tired

so He put His arms around you

and whispered, “Come to Me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you pass away

and although we love you dearly

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.