Christian (“Chris”) Roman Esser passed away on November 3rd, 2022, surrounded by family. Chris was born on March 31st, 1948 to Roman and Theresa Esser. He was raised on a farm near Redfield, South Dakota where he attended country school and Redfield High School. He graduated from high school in 1966 and attended Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND from 1966 to 1970. While in high school and college, he competed in football, wrestling, and track, excelling in all and receiving many honors. He was a proud Redfield Pheasant and Jamestown Jimmie.
Chris married Peggy Brosnan in 1972 and they made their home in Redfield, SD. Chris taught at the state hospital in Redfield for a couple of years and at Redfield High School. He taught special education and vocational rehabilitation. He also coached football, wrestling, and track. He was able to coach football with his brother, Fran, and wrestling with his brothers, Fran and Mike. The three brothers built a highly reputable wrestling program that achieved great success over the years. While Chris enjoyed the wins, he was most proud of the positive impact he was able to make on his athletes through coaching.
In 1986, his daughter, Christine, was born. Chris, Peggy, and Christine began a new life in Fargo, ND in 1989. They have many wonderful memories and friends in both Redfield and Fargo. While in Fargo, Chris and Peggy built a cleaning company that operated for a number of years. Chris eventually returned to the vocational rehabilitation field, working for Community Living Services in Fargo until he retired.
During his retired years, Chris began gardening and doing many home projects, as well as being an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Chris loved the NDSU Bison football team, proudly wearing their colors in support. He loved helping his daughter and son-in-law with different home projects in the fall and winter time and gardening in the spring and summer. Chris would donate all of the produce from his garden to the local food pantry each year. This year alone he donated over 5,600 pounds of produce.
Chris loved his family with his whole heart. His wife, Peggy, was his best friend. He was so proud of his daughter, Christine. He loved watching her grow into the person she is today, always cheering her on in sports and life. He loved doing house projects and talking sports and politics with his son-in-law, Andy.
Chris was a teacher and mentor, a devout Catholic, and a friend to all. Chris always had wisdom to share and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Chris was a very giving and generous man, only asking that others pay it forward.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Theresa Esser; his sister, Anna Simbeck; and his brother, Michael Esser. Chris is survived by his wife, Peggy Esser; his daughter, Christine (Andy) Johnson; and his brothers, Fran (Carol) Esser, Jim (Jean) Esser, Bill Esser, and Leo Esser.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 6:00PM with a prayer service at 7:00PM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Visitation will continue on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 1:00PM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00PM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook and view a livestream of the services, please visit www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
