Eugene L. “Gene” Esselman — Duker & Haugh

Eugene L. “Gene” Esselman age 93, of Quincy died on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Blessing Hospital. He was born on September 12, 1931, in Perryville, Missouri, the son of Edward and Stella (Moore) Esselman. Gene is survived by his wife Rita (Moranville) Esselman, whom he married on November 3, 1951 in Perryville.

After graduating from St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Gene joined the United States Air Force and served from 1950-1953, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Early in his career, he worked as a printer for the Perry County Republican newspaper from 1953-1970. In 1970, Gene joined the Western Catholic Union in Quincy, IL, serving as an executive officer until his retirement in 1992.

Gene’s honors and community leadership positions include the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Junior Chamber of Commerce; President of Quincy’s Downtown Toastmasters; President of the Illinois Fraternal Congress; Press and Public Relations Sections of the National Fraternal Congress and Treasurer of the Quincy Noon Optimist Club. Gene was a proud member of Uptown Quincy, the Parochial Secondary Education Foundation, and numerous other local organizations. He and his wife were active volunteers at Blessing Hospital and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served as eucharistic ministers for more than two decades.

Throughout Gene’s life, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, woodworking, crafting and traveling extensively across the United States. He and his wife loved their time as snowbirds, RV’ing in Texas, and making friends wherever they went. Whether he was traveling or just around town, Gene never met a stranger and was always quick with a joke or story to tell.

Gene is survived by his wife, Rita, children: Rev. Thomas Esselman, C.M., Deborah (Bob) Harvey, Becki Esselman, Janice (David) Kroeger, Edward (Bonnie Brod) Esselman, John (Rebecca) Esselman, Paul (Suzanne) Esselman, and Julie (Jerry) Smith. A brother, Jerry (Wanda) Esselman. Twelve grandchildren: Lenny Harvey, Claire (Brian) Reid, Jessica Gosnell, Hannah (Will) Lamm, Luke (Amanda) Esselman, Samantha (Matt) Jones, Gabrielle Esselman, Nicole (Jessie) Willis, Allison Esselman, Emily Smith, Lauren (Casey) Robinson, Tyler Esselman and nine great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dennis, sisters, Joan (Harvey) Hayden, Mary (Albert) Baker and Delores (Hillary) Schumer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church. Rev. Tom Esselman, C.M. Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to either Congregation of the Mission or Blessed Sacrament Church. Service arrangements are in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com