Joseph A. Esker

Obituary: Teutopolis Press - March 18, 1954

Joseph Esker, 68 year old Teutopolis resident, died at 4 pm Thursday in his home. Mr. Esker had been seriously ill since Sunday but has been confined to a wheel chair for the past five years.

He was born in Watson Township October 15, 1883, the son of the late Henry and Catherine Pille Esker. On April 12, 1910 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Niendick. Mr. Esker was employed with the Pennsylvania railroad for more than 40 years. He was also a member of the Holy Name Sodality of Teutopolis.

Surviving are his wife, two sons, Edward and Robert of Teutopolis, and a daughter, Mrs. Andrew (Della) Probst of Bishop, 10 grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Theresa Doedtman, and a brother, Ben Esker both of Teutopolis.

The rosary was recited Friday evening at the Habing funeral home in Teutopolis. and funeral services were held Saturday morning at 9 am in St Francis Church, Teutopolis. Rev. Christantine Bach, OFM, pastor, officiated at the requiem mass. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Pallbearers were nephews Norbert, George, and John Esker of Teutopolis, Albert Esker of St. Mary's, and Sylvester Beckman and Ralph Esker of Teutopolis. The flower-girls were Carol Ann, Patsy, Evelyn, and Mildred Probst of Bishop and Judy and Jeannine Esker of Teutopolis, grand-children.

Preceding him in death were brothers Tony Esker and John Esker of Teutopolis, Frank Esker of Bishop, and Herman Esker of St. Marys, sister; Mary Beckman of Bishop, a half sister, Mrs. Joe Mette of Dieterich, and a half brother, Henry Esker of Muenster, Texas.