Eugene L. “Gene” Esselman
Eugene L. “Gene” Esselman age 93, of Quincy died on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Blessing Hospital. He was born on September 12, 1931, in Perryville, Missouri, the son of Edward and Stella (Moore) Esselman. Gene is survived by his wife Rita (Moranville) Esselman, whom he married on November 3, 1951 in Perryville.
After graduating from St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Gene joined the United States Air Force and served from 1950-1953, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Early in his career, he worked as a printer for the Perry County Republican newspaper from 1953-1970. In 1970, Gene joined the Western Catholic Union in Quincy, IL, serving as an executive officer until his retirement in 1992.
Gene’s honors and community leadership positions include the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Junior Chamber of Commerce; President of Quincy’s Downtown Toastmasters; President of the Illinois Fraternal Congress; Press and Public Relations Sections of the National Fraternal Congress and Treasurer of the Quincy Noon Optimist Club. Gene was a proud member of Uptown Quincy, the Parochial Secondary Education Foundation, and numerous other local organizations. He and his wife were active volunteers at Blessing Hospital and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served as eucharistic ministers for more than two decades.
Throughout Gene’s life, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, woodworking, crafting and traveling extensively across the United States. He and his wife loved their time as snowbirds, RV’ing in Texas, and making friends wherever they went. Whether he was traveling or just around town, Gene never met a stranger and was always quick with a joke or story to tell.
Gene is survived by his wife, Rita, children: Rev. Thomas Esselman, C.M., Deborah (Bob) Harvey, Becki Esselman, Janice (David) Kroeger, Edward (Bonnie Brod) Esselman, John (Rebecca) Esselman, Paul (Suzanne) Esselman, and Julie (Jerry) Smith. A brother, Jerry (Wanda) Esselman. Twelve grandchildren: Lenny Harvey, Claire (Brian) Reid, Jessica Gosnell, Hannah (Will) Lamm, Luke (Amanda) Esselman, Samantha (Matt) Jones, Gabrielle Esselman, Nicole (Jessie) Willis, Allison Esselman, Emily Smith, Lauren (Casey) Robinson, Tyler Esselman and nine great grandchildren also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dennis, sisters, Joan (Harvey) Hayden, Mary (Albert) Baker and Delores (Hillary) Schumer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church. Rev. Tom Esselman, C.M. Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to either Congregation of the Mission or Blessed Sacrament Church.
Service arrangements are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com
I first met Gene at Paul and Suzanne’s wedding about 12 years ago. He was one of the most amiable men I have ever known. Gene was blessed with that “fits-in-anywhere” personality; never condescending, kind to one and all. God and family were his heart and soul. He had a great wit, and was master of dad jokes & quips, causing laughter and sometimes affectionate groans! When my daughter, Suzanne, married Paul, she was welcomed into the family by Gene and Rita with open arms. Suz had a special relationship with Gene & continues to be close to Rita. Suzanne has been, and always will be by Paul’s side as they navigate all of life’s tribulations as well as moments of joy in the Esselman family. So long, Gene; we will meet again someday. Love to Gene and the entire Esselman family from Carol Kirby, also known as Mamma Carol (Paul’s mother-in-law) and Grandma Carol to Tyler & Lauren. May the entire Esselman family find a measure of peace in the cherished memories of Eugene Esselman.
I send you my prayers and sympathies on the passing of this great man. As his family, treasure the many, many memories he leaves to your care.
Rita & Family
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal Rest Gene
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of an amazing man! I will miss bumping into him at the Hy-Vee! May God grant you the strength needed in the days ahead and may your many wonderful memories provide you with comfort,
Julie & family, I’m very sorry for your loss.
To Ed and the entire Esselman family, your father/grandpa was one of the most kind and faithful family man. Never knew a stranger and always willing to help all. Such a gentleman. Peace to you and yours. RIP Mr. Esselman.
Ed and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
To Aunt Rita, Father Tom, Debbie, Janie, Julie, Ed, John and Paul. I was very sorry to hear about Uncle Gene’s passing. My mom and dad, Theresa and I always enjoyed our visits with all of you and your dad. In the few times we had a chance to visit in person, whether in Perryville, Quincy, or your parents’ visits to PA, between the funny stories and the laughs, it was always great to get reacquainted. Uncle Gene was a kind man, and always made me, Theresa and mom and dad feel very welcome when we would stay during our cross country trips. I pray that during this time, you will be comforted by your many great memories of a great man, your father. God bless, Marty
I met Gene at Good Sam. He was a joy to be around, always a smile! He will be missed!
Gene’s family, I got to meet Gene when I worked for Wild Birds Unlimited there in Quincy. He always had a new wood worked item to show and we sold quite a few. I enjoyed talking with him every time, always had a story and a smile and a bit on how proud he was of his family. He definitely didn’t know w a stranger and he reminded me of my husband, Gary Clapper, with his story’s and jokes. I lost my Gary in December and I’d like to say it gets easier but it just “changes” you. God bless.❤️🙏🏼