Andrew "Smacky" Essner

Andrew Michael “Smacky” Essner, 65, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at his home in New Hamburg following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Sept. 17, 1957, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, son of Corona “Coonie” Bucher Essner of New Hamburg and the late Leon Essner, he was a 1976 graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School in Benton, Missouri.

On June 11, 1976, in Benton, Andrew married Carla Jean Enderle, who survives of the home.

After his father died in 1973, Andrew and his brother, Timmy, took over the family farm as teenagers and ultimately formed Essner Brothers Farms LLC, working side by side daily for nearly 50 years. His son, Dustin, later joined the duo, working the past 30 years together. Andrew also spent many years as a seed dealer for Mycogen Seeds. A member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, he was also a member of St. Joseph Sodality and the Knights of Columbus in Scott City, Missouri. Andrew spent many years working at the annual euchre tournament and parking cars for the New Hamburg Picnic.

In his spare time, Smacky could often be found playing cards and drinking a few cold Stags with his friends at Schindler’s Tavern, but his true joy in life was spending time with his family, especially being Papa to his grandchildren. Andrew was known on many occasions to stop in the middle of a busy planting or harvest season if he saw his grandkids drive up so they could climb into the combine or tractor cab and ride a few rounds with him. He and Carla also enjoyed taking truck and Ranger rides together to check crops or irrigation pivots.

Smacky was not a man of many words, but with a nod and a grin, you knew where he stood. He was a genuine man in every sense and always there whenever needed.

In addition to his wife and mother, survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Amy Essner of New Hamburg; two daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Andy Silman of Benton and Lisa and Jim Eftink of New Hamburg; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenny and Debbie Essner of Dexter, Missouri, and Tim and Jeanne Essner of New Hamburg; his mother-in-law, Georgeiann “Boob” Enderle of Benton; five grandchildren, Drew Silman, Colton Essner, Leah Silman, Carli Eftink and Heidi Eftink; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Albert “Felix” Enderle.

Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Lawrence Parish Center in New Hamburg. A rosary will be at 4:30 pm followed by the Knights of Columbus service.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg with the Rev. Daniel Belken, officiating.

Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Cemetery.