Due to the current pandemic, there will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Richard was born September 16, 1943, in Dubuque, the son of Sylvester and Marcella Esser. On November 3, 1962, he married Betty Leslein at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He attended Sacred Heart, Loras Acadamy and Wahlert High School.

Rich was an avid walker and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family. He loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Bears.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of Dubuque, two daughters, Lisa (Rogers) Laugand of PA and Wendy (Shawn) Nuss of Dubuque, two sons, Mike Esser of Dubuque and Mark (Christine) Esser of Grimes, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, four brothers, Ed (Judy), Gary (Brenda), Robert (Debby) and Don (Ava), one sister-in-law, Ruth Esser Recker and a special god-son, Matt.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ken and one sister, Mary (Larry) Dolan.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Liaboe and his nurse, Trish and the team at Hospice of Dubuque, Tammie, Ryan, Kelli and Angela.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, Attn: Esser Family, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, IA 52002.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.