Roman Michael Esser, 32, of Redfield, SD, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020, in Redfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield.  Reverend John Short will officiate.  Interment will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield.

Visitation will be Friday, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Family will be present to accept condolences during this time. A Scriptural Prayer Service, Time of Remembering, and Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, public attendance (at your own risk) is now allowed at visitations and funerals following the most recent recommendations from the CDC:

1. Those who are ill and or at-risk (e.g. elderly, immune-compromised) are asked to stay home.

2. Social distancing (of at least 6 feet) should be practiced and masks are encouraged.

3. Proper hygiene, including hand hygiene and covering cough and sneezes, should be strictly followed.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks for monetary donations to help defray funeral costs. Online donations may be made under the "Donations" tab above.

Roman Michael Esser was born to Mike and Mary (Cass) Esser on July 13, 1988, in Aberdeen, SD. He spent his childhood in Redfield. He attended Redfield Public School, Gettysburg Public School, then obtained his GED in 2009.

He was employed by the Cheese Factory in Hoven, SD, and S.D.D.C. in Redfield.  He also worked construction in Spearfish, SD, and most recently was employed at Casey's in Redfield.

Roman was always telling jokes, rapping with friends, playing video games, skateboarding, and creating art. He loved living out in the Black Hills. He enjoyed hanging out with his many friends and always trying to make people feel included. He loved spending time with his family and playing with his nieces and nephews.

Roman is survived by his parents Mary Esser and Mike Esser; sisters: Amber Cookinham, Anastasia (John) Royals, Maria Esser, and Katrina Esser; and brother William Esser.  He is also survived by several uncles and aunts: Chris (Peggy) Esser, Fran (Carol) Esser, James (Jean) Esser, Bill Esser, Leo Esser, Rita Carnahan, LeRoy Cass, John (Jolene) Cass, Ellen (Gregory) Mendolia, Pete Cass, Dan (Sheryl) Cass, Paul (Karen) Cass, Fran Van Bockel, and Alice (Mark) Job; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all walks of life.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Roman and Theresa Esser; maternal grandparents Roy (Nelly) Cass; aunts and uncles:  Anna Marie Simbeck, Cletus Simbeck, Laura Esser, JoAnn Huyck, Larry Huyck, Rose Cass, Janice Cass; cousin Paul Ryan Van Bockel; and his good friend Zach Glaesman.