Esser, Mildred "Milly"

Mildred "Milly" Esser, age 97, of Highland, passed away peacefully, with her family at her side on Monday April 8th, 2024 at Greenway Manor in Spring Green. She was born on September 1st,1926, to Frank and Barbara Kratcha in Muscoda, WI. She graduated from High School in Muscoda. She married Joseph "Joe" Esser on February 4,1946.  The couple farmed near Highland until retiring in 1982, then moved to Highland.  She was a member of Ss. Anthony & Philip Parish where she taught religious education classes and dedicated many years of custodial services.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Esser; two sons-in-law Dennis Kienast and Jerry Sumwalt; two grandchildren: Jenifer Gottschall and Jeff Esser; one great-grandson: Miles Haakenson; two sisters: Dorothy (Frank) Marshall and Mary Lou (Robert) Urbach; and two brothers: Bernard (Ruth) Kratcha and Ralph (Dorothy) Kratcha. She is further preceded in death by her brothers- and sisters-in-law George and Florence Esser; Robert and Elsie Esser; Virginia and Art Mackey; Mary and Clarence Hasz; LaVern and Leah Esser; Ann and Don Austin.

Milly's life revolved around her family and working side by side with Joe on the family farm. She loved her farm life and attending to the cows. Milly's 14 children were her pride and joy.  Jim (Priscilla) Esser of Highland and children: Michelle, Jamie, Scott and Carrie;  John (Sandy) Esser of Cottage Grove and children: Julie and Matt;  Helen (Jerry) Sumwalt of Stoughton and daughter, Cindy;  Tom (Diane) Esser of Cobb and children: Stacy, Kelly and Erin;  Mary "Mert" (John) Gottschall of Highland and son, Jay;  Jane (Darrell) Kreul of Highland and children: Jesse, Amy, Brian and Tracy;  Shirley "Mic" (Rich) Jensen of Tampa, FL and children: Curt and Dawn;  Sue (Jim) White of Green Bay and children: Joe, Ian, Sarah and Betty;  Teresa (Mike) Thomas of Muscoda and children: Jeremy, Melissa and Lori;   Dorothy (Frank) Campbell of Avoca and children: Angie and Wendy;  Tony (Mina) of Madison and children: Lukas, Quinten and Max;  Dave Esser of Highland and children: Dustin, Lynsey and Brittney;  Steve (Korena) Esser of Montfort and children: Shonda, Jason, and Josh;  Donna (Jon) Schulz of Ripon and children: Jared, Amanda, and Rachel.  Milly had 74 wonderful great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at Ss. Anthony & Philip Catholic Church, Highland. An additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Ss. Anthony & Philip Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery with Fr. Alex Carmel presiding. The McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Highland is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com

McGuire-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Highland  •  608-929-4815

www.houckfuneralhomes.com