John A. Essner

John Adam Essner, 93, of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, June 2, 2017, surrounded by family at his home of more than 60 years.

He was born Dec. 21, 1923, near New Hamburg, Missouri, the son of Leo William and Rosa Helen Uhrhan Essner, the third of five boys. He married Ina Jean Burger on April 19, 1952, at St. Augustine Church in Kelso, Missouri. She survives.

John was a graduate of the former Benton High School in Benton, Missouri. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and in the Army during the Korean conflict.

He spent most of his working life in the lumber and construction fields, having worked at D&G Builders, and Burton Gerhardt Construction Co. He then became a foreman of the nickel-plating department of Superior Electric. He later worked for Southeast Missouri Lumber Co., which he eventually purchased and started Southeast Missouri Builders Supply, which he operated with his family until his retirement in 1986.

After retirement, John could be found on his computer where he spent many hours writing the story of his life and researching and recording his family genealogy to pass along to his children and grandchildren. He also kept busy with the big garden he put out every year.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and Knights of Columbus Council 1111. In addition, he was active in the Cursillo Movement in Southeast Missouri and Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his wife, Ina of Cape Girardeau; nine sons, John L. (Jill), Steve (the Rev. Edie Bird), Jim (Sharon), Tom (Becki), Alan (Denise), Chris (Sandi), Roger (Donna), Greg and Keith (Marianne) Essner, all of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Sister Mary Essner, SSND, of Hannibal, Missouri, Jane (Wayne) Wilson of Cape Girardeau and Susan (Tim) McMann of Farmington, Missouri; 31 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and three brothers, Simon (Clara) Essner of Kelso, Herman (Dorothy) Essner of Maryland Heights, Missouri, and Paul W. Essner of New Hamburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Vincent Essner.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., followed by a rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Joe Weidenbenner officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Mary School or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.