Rita Gertrude Esselman
Rita Gertrude Esselman, age 95, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Home surrounded by her family.
Rita was born on October 26, 1930, in Perryville, Missouri, the daughter of Leo and Gertrude (Tucker) Moranville. She graduated from Saint Vincent High School in 1949. Rita married Gene Esselman on November 3, 1951, at Assumption Church in Perryville. She and her husband lived in Perryville from 1951 to 1970 and in Quincy from 1970 until the time of her death. Rita was the proud mother of eight children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Deeply devoted to her family, her faith, and to serving others, Rita lived an exemplary life.
Rita worked tirelessly to create a warm family environment where her husband and children flourished. She taught by example the values of hard work and taking responsibility, and modeled self-sacrifice for others. Rita loved cooking, baking, gardening, and canning; she enjoyed a good story and sharing book titles with friends and family. She was a fierce competitor while playing cards or dominos with her children and grandchildren and carried on the strong family tradition of rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Rita, with her husband Gene, loved to travel and explore different places throughout the country and making new friends along the way. She was an active member of many community groups, including the parent’s association of Quincy Notre Dame High School and the Western Catholic Union.
Rita was deeply devoted to God and her Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She started each morning praying for others from her favorite rocking chair. Rita and Gene visited the sick each week at Blessing Hospital and would regularly meet with families mourning the death of a loved one to help prepare the funeral service. Rita loved serving those less fortunate, particularly through her volunteer work with the Ladies of Charity.
Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Esselman, her son, Dennis Esselman; her parents, Leo and Gertrude Moranville; her brothers Thomas, Charles and Richard Moranville; and her sisters, Bernadette, Genevieve, Ann Marie Devenyns and Mary Howe.
Rita is survived by her 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. She is survived by her brother, Robert (Gail) Moranville. Twelve grandchildren: Lenny Harvey, Claire (Brian) Reid, Jessica Gosnell, Luke (Amanda) Esselman, Hannah (Will) Lamm, Samantha (Matt) Jones, Gabrielle (Ryan Pinkerton) Esselman, Nicole (Jessie) Willis, Allison (Blake) Esselman-Lawrence, Tyler Esselman, Lauren (Casey) Robinson, Emily Smith and twelve great grandchildren also survive.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church. Mass of the Resurrection will follow the visitation. Rev. Tom Esselman, C.M., will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to either the Congregation of the Mission or Ladies of Charity.
Service arrangements are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com
Such a wonderful soul. 💙
Ed and Famity – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace.
Sorry to hear of Rita’s passing….I will miss taking care of her at bickford but I know shes at peace now…keeping Edward and family in thoughts and prayers
I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to Julie and family on the death of your amazing and wonderful mother. She was certainly one of the sweetest women I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years. I always enjoyed going to see your parents when I was working in home care and admired her ability to keep up their lovely home and yard. Your parents were the epitome of true love! I pray that God wraps his arms around you and your family during this most difficult time and may He also give you peace as well as strength needed in the days and weeks ahead. May your many wonderful and cherished memories provide you each with comfort and know that you will again all be reunited in Heaven. RIP Mrs. Esselman and please give that onery husband of yours a pinch from me. God bless you all!
My mom and dad Rita and Red.loved Gene and Rita and I loved them too. They were both face and heart of St.Marys/Blessed Sacrament parish. My prayers are with you.
Julie, Jerry, Emily, and the Esselman family, we are so very sorry for your loss!
My mama though so much of Gene and Rita.
And thanks to Rita for all of her volunteer work she did over the years.
She always had a smile on her face showing her faith thru even the bad times she encountered.
Rest in peace sweet lady…….Jan Ewalt.
Our hearts go out to the entire Esselman family in this time of loss and may so many happy memories bring you welcome peace.
Dear family, She will be remembered as a lovely lady who loved God. I am sorry to be out of town next Tuesday / Wednesday so will not be able to offer my condolences in person. You are being remembered in prayer!
I’m So Very Sorry For The Loss Of Your Mother. Your Parents were So Very wonderful And So Very Special To me Thank You For Allowing Me To Care For Them
Condolences Julie, Paul and family. I always enjoyed seeing your folks when they came through ICU. Always thought of you two and memeories of years gone by.
My condolences to the entire Esselman family. Rita and Gene were such a wonderful example of Christian people. They raised their family with so much love and were always such warm and friendly people. Rita always had a kind word and a smile when I would see her. She will be greatly missed!
Condolences to Ed and entire family, during this difficult time.
Always enjoyed your Mom and Dad’s visits to us in Harlingen -they were so good to us and such fun to be with. Such a loving and generous couple. You are so blessed in the faith, hope and love they exemplified and taught their children. They continue to bless you, Tom and family. Know the ache of missing them is also a blessing. Sending love and prayers.
Family of Rita Esselman:
Very sorry for your loss
Eternal Rest Rita
Julie, John and families, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was so friendly and kind any time I saw her volunteering at Blessing. May she rest in peace.
To the Esselman Family. I am so sorry to hear this news. I cannot fully express how much that I know that family was the very most important thing in your mother’s life. I remember seeing her often at QND, supporting all of your endeavors. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead, and that HE will fill your hearts with all of the great memories that you both created, and shared, with her. God Bless.
To the Esselman Family, I am so sorry for the passing of Rita. Gary and I were their neighbors for at least 30 years and Gary much longer. Your mother was one of the sweetest woman you could ever meet. They were the greatest example of love and kindness. They would have done anything for us and we would have for them as well. Great people!!!! We are sorry we were out of town and didn’t make it to the services. But we loved your parents dearly. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We have missed them so much since they moved. Gary and Jill Hall