Dennis Essner

Dennis James Essner, 68, of Kelso passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Lutheran Home after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

He was born on October 21, 1955 in Cape Girardeau, the third son of the late Raymond and Marian (Ressel) Essner.  He attended St. Augustine elementary school in Kelso, and was a 1974 graduate of Notre Dame High School.

On May 19, 1979 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Becky Ernst, at St. Augustine Church, in Kelso.

From an early age Dennis was a dedicated and hard worker. As a young boy he worked at Rays Conoco, the gas station his parents purchased when he was 9.  As a teenager, when he wasn’t working at the station he hauled hay for local farmers, worked at Diebold Orchards, was a janitor and bus driver for St. Augustine parish, and was a delivery driver for Kelso Supply.  In 1975 he began his nearly 37 year career at Procter & Gamble, retiring in 2012.

Dennis inherited his Mom’s passion for outdoor flowers. He spent countless hours planting, fertilizing, watering, and pruning flowers in the front yard, and his claim to fame was having one of the most beautiful and perfectly groomed yards around. He passed on that passion to his boys, and spent many hours helping them with their yards.

After retirement Dennis and Becky traveled frequently. Dennis also joined SEMO Seniors golf. Although admittedly not the best golfer, he greatly enjoyed the socialization. Many of his former coworkers and best friends were also members, and no matter their scores, fun was had by all. In 2018 Dennis and Becky purchased a house on Lake Perry, and travel became less of a priority as most of their recreation time was spent there with family and friends.

Dennis was the proud Papaw of four grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud and the source of immense joy. Dennis was the “master story teller” and any time he was with the grands at bedtime, whether at Kelso, at the lake, or at their own home, the bedtime routine involved hearing a silly story from Papaw followed by bedtime prayers.

As a lifelong member of St. Augustine Church, Dennis  served the parish in many different capacities. From altar server to parish council member to school board president and everything in between, he has always had a servant's heart. He was also a 50 year member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6420, and has filled many roles in that organization as well.

In addition to his wife Becky, he is survived by two sons: Brent (Malerie) of Jackson, and Blake (Christina) of Cape Girardeau; three brothers: Danny (Debbie) and Doug (Leslie) of Cape, and David of Kelso; one sister: Donna (Chris) Scherer of Scott City; four grandchildren: Brendan, Parker, Maebry and Ellie Essner. He is also survived by Becky’s siblings Ben (Debi) Ernst, Barb (Bob) Haveman, Bill (Toni) Ernst, Betty Beckham, Bev (Jeff) Buster, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Becky’s parents, his infant sister Theresa, and brother-in-law Sandy Beckham.

The family is grateful for the excellent care provided by the hospice team and staff of Providence Hospice at the Lutheran Home. They would also like to express their sincere gratitude for all of the prayers, concern, and acts of love and support during Dennis’ illness.

Visitation is from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Amick Burnett funeral chapel in Scott City.  K.C. Prayers will be at 7:30 pm.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at St. Augustine Catholic church in Kelso with Father Tom Wilk officiating.

Burial will be in St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Kelso.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Augustine School, Notre Dame Regional High School, or Providence Hospice at the Lutheran Home.