Ronald "Ron" Joseph Esser, 79, of Redfield, SD passed away peacefully after a long hard-fought battle with cancer on Sunday, April 1, 2018 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am on Friday, April 6, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church.  Reverend Tom Anderson will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield.

Visitation will be Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  A Scriptural Prayer Service and Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Ronald "Ron" Joseph Esser was born January 23, 1939 to Theodore and Louise (Haider) Esser in Redfield.  He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Zell, SD until eighth grade and went on to graduate from Redfield High School.  On October 14, 1961, Ron married Marlys Ann Hilkemeier.  Soon after they married, Ron joined the U.S. Army.  During his two years in the service, he spent one year in Germany.  Upon completion of service, Ron and Marlys moved to the family farm.  They farmed and raised cattle and hogs for many years.

In their free time, Ron and Marlys enjoyed spending time at the Missouri River.  In 1985, they purchased their first trailer at West Whitlock.  Ron spent many hours on the river fishing and time hunting with friends whenever he had the chance.  After Ron retired, they were at the river as much as possible.

Ron was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Redfield Knights of Columbus.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Marlys, of Redfield; his son, Jay (Deb), of Redfield and their girls: Olivia, Ashley, Elizabeth and Alexis; and his son, Darin of Rapid City, SD and his boys: Carter and Caden.  He is also survived by his sister, Nadine Barry of McHenry, IL; his brother, Charles (Sue) Esser of Redfield; and his sister, Madonna Servi of Wisner, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers-in-law:  Jack Barry, Delvin Hilkemeier and Gary Servi; his sister-in-law, Monna Esser and his hunting partners: Don Brand and Ron Betten.