Michael "Mike" Sylvester Esser, 69, of Redfield, SD, passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with family present, on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  A Scriptural Prayer Service, Time of Sharing, and Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Michael Kapperman officiating.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield.  Reverend John Lantsberger will officiate.  Interment will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield.

For those unable to attend, the prayer service and funeral Mass will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests monetary donations to help defray funeral costs.  Online donations may be made under the "Donations" tab on the funeral home's website, beside Mike's obituary.

Michael Sylvester Esser was born to Roman and Theresa "Tressie" (Jandel) Esser on September 11, 1952, in Aberdeen, SD. He grew up and worked on the family farm. He attended high school in Redfield. He attended Jamestown College and Northern State University where he played football and wrestled.

He worked for the South Dakota Research Farm for 15 years. In 1990, he became the Spink County Weed & Pest Supervisor which he did until his death. He was President of the Weed & Pest Board for one term.  In 2017, he was awarded Weed & Pest Supervisor of the Year.  He coached wrestling at Redfield High School for over 25 years. He was Assistant Wrestling Coach of the year. He was a football official for 30 years. He also drove the Zoo/Lagers Shuttle in Aberdeen.

Mike was always helpful to his fellow man and enjoyed sharing stories, especially about his grandchildren. He loved to be involved in sports, especially wrestling and football. He loved hunting, cooking, baking, and playing cards. He was a loving father beloved by all. He always had a soft spot for children and loved watching them achieve greatness. He was a devout Catholic and prayed many rosaries. He was more than a father, more than a friend, he made everyone feel like he was their best friend. Everyone that met him was enamored with his virtuous spirit.

Mike is survived by his children: daughters: Anastasia (John) Royals, Maria Esser, and Katrina Esser; son William Esser; and grandchildren: Sabrina, Daniel, Rhea, Chelsea, Alexis, O'neshawa, Bryanna, John, Jaszmyne, Christina, and Sirius. He is also survived by his brothers: Chris (Peggy) Esser, Fran (Carol) Esser, James (Jean) Esser, Bill Esser, Leo Esser; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roman and Theresa Esser, son Roman Esser, sister Anna Marie Simbeck, brother-in-law Cletus Simbeck, sister-in-law Laura Esser, and grandson Jameel.

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Thanks to the participants in Mike's service:

Clergy for the Prayer Service - Reverend Michael Kapperman

Clergy for the Mass of Christian Burial - Reverend John Lantsberger

Lector - Fran Esser

Organist - Carol Esser

Cantor and Soloist - Sheri Zens

Pallbearers:

Chris R. Esser, Fran Esser, Bill Esser,

Leo Esser, Chris J. Esser, Marcia Banion

Honorary Pallbearers:

Wrestling Family, Zoo/Lagers Family

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