Steven Essner

Steven Edward Essner, 61, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at his home.

He was born Aug. 4, 1956, in Cape Girardeau to Anthony "Tony" Peter and Leanna Francis Felter Essner. On Sept. 16, 1977, he and Donna J. Simms were married at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau.

Steve graduated in 1974 from Notre Dame High School. His love of carpentry and building began at an early age when he apprenticed as a carpenter's helper with his father, Tony. He knew at an early age that building would become his life's work. Until recently, Steve was a premier, custom-home builder in Cape Girardeau and surrounding area.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

His hobbies included fishing, spending time at the lake and building custom cabinetry.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Essner of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Libby Bullard of Orlando, Florida, and Karrie Marren of Brentwood, Tennessee; three sons, Kyle (Beth) Essner of Mapleton, Utah, Sam (Amanda Sells) Essner of Cape Girardeau and Drew (Jessica) Essner of Katy, Texas; five sisters, Marilyn (Bill) Hughey, Judy (Gene) Heuring, Ann Frey, Mary DeLoach and Denise Wiesner, all of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Kenny (Sue) Essner of Florence, South Carolina, and Jim (Mary) Essner of Cape Girardeau; and eight grandchildren, Dakota Bullard, Mackenzie Essner, Noa Liuchan, Callie Essner, Kalia Liuchan, Bella Essner, Baila Essner and Stephen Essner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Larry Frey and Paul DeLoach.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers and rosary will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, with his cousin the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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