Dennis Essner

Dennis James Essner, 68, of Kelso passed away peacefully Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

He was born Oct. 21, 1955, in Cape Girardeau, the third son of Raymond and Marian Ressel Essner. He attended St. Augustine Elementary School in Kelso and was a 1974 graduate of Notre Dame High School.

On May 19, 1979, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Becky Ernst, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso.

From an early age, Dennis was a dedicated and hard worker. As a young boy, he worked at Ray’s Conoco, the gas station his parents purchased when he was 9. As a teenager, when he wasn’t working at the station, he hauled hay for local farmers, worked at Diebold Orchards, was a janitor and bus driver for St. Augustine Parish and was a delivery driver for Kelso Supply. In 1975, he began his nearly 37-year career at Procter & Gamble, retiring in 2012.

Dennis inherited his mom’s passion for outdoor flowers. He spent countless hours planting, fertilizing, watering and pruning flowers in the front yard, and his claim to fame was having one of the most beautiful and perfectly groomed yards around. He passed on that passion to his boys and spent many hours helping them with their yards.

After retirement, Dennis and Becky traveled frequently. Dennis also joined SEMO Seniors golf. Although admittedly not the best golfer, he greatly enjoyed the socialization. Many of his former coworkers and best friends were also members, and no matter their scores, fun was had by all. In 2018, Dennis and Becky purchased a house on Lake Perry and travel became less of a priority, as most of their recreation time was spent there with family and friends.

Dennis was the proud Papaw of four grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud. They were a source of immense joy. Dennis was the “master story teller” and any time he was with the grands at bedtime, whether at Kelso, at the lake or at their own home, the bedtime routine involved hearing a silly story from Papaw, followed by bedtime prayers.

As a lifelong member of St. Augustine Church, Dennis served the parish in many different capacities. From altar server to parish council member to school board president and everything in between, he has always had a servant’s heart. He was also a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 6420 and filled many roles in that organization as well.

In addition to his wife, Becky, he is survived by two sons, Brent (Malerie) of Jackson and Blake (Christina) of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Danny (Debbie) and Doug (Leslie) of Cape Girardeau and David of Kelso; one sister, Donna (Chris) Scherer of Scott City; and four grandchildren, Brendan, Parker, Maebry and Ellie Essner. He is also survived by Becky’s siblings, Ben (Debi) Ernst, Barb (Bob) Haveman, Bill (Toni) Ernst, Betty Beckham and Bev (Jeff) Buster; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; Becky’s parents; his infant sister, Theresa; and brother-in-law, Sandy Beckham.

The family is grateful for the excellent care provided by the hospice team and staff of Providence Hospice at Lutheran Home. They would also like to express their sincere gratitude for all of the prayers, concern and acts of love and support during Dennis’ illness.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with K.C. prayers at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, with the Rev. Tom Wilk officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Augustine School, Notre Dame Regional High School or Providence Hospice at Lutheran Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.