William Esslinger

ESSLINGER, PATRICK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/14/2023 at 09:22:04

The Bayard News Aug 25, 1977

Funeral services for pioneer Bayard farmer William Esslinger were held Monday at 10:30 am from the Bayard United Methodist Church in Bayard. The Pastor, Rev Steven Wainwright, officiated. Miss Lula Garnes served as organist and Patricia Schwartz and Florence Hughes sang two hymns. Interment was made in the Highland cemetery with the casket being carried by Willard Johnston, Dwain Myers, Bobbie McCool, Norman Crees, Orville Mozena and John Peckumn.
Mr. Esslinger farmed South of Bayard for many years prior to retiring in Bayard in 1973. Two years ago he moved to the Bayard Care Center with is wife. He spent the remainder of his life there.
William Jacob Esslinger, the second child and eldest son of Jacob and Christina Schumacher Esslinger, was born near Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois, September 21, 1891. He entered the Green County Medical Center in Jefferson on Tuesday, August 16. He passed away there early Friday, August 19, one month and two days before his 86th. birthday.
In 1895 the Jacob Esslinger family moved from Illinois to a farm Southeast of Bayard. William attended rural school Highland No. 6. This schoolhouse was located on the farm which was later to become his home.
On February 28, 1917, William married Myrtle Mineva Huss. They were parents of a daughter, Byrdene, and a son, Gerald. He engaged in farming until he felt that his health necessitated turning the operation over to someone else. In 1968 Gerald took over but Dad maintained keen interest in the activities. He and Myrtle continued to reside on the farm.
In the fall of 1973 they decided to move to Bayard Senior Citizens Home No. 2.
In 1975 due to health conditions of both they became residents of the Bayard Care Center.
William served on the board of education of the Bayard Consolidated School in the 1930's. His brother John, preceded him in death in 1964; his sister, Catharine (Mrs. Emmette) Stofer in 1965, and a great grandson in 1972. Survivors are his widow, Myrtle, of the Bayard Care Center; daughter, Byrdene (Mrs. George) Patrick of Bayard; son, Gerald of Scranton; brother Fred of Bayard; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.