William "Bill" John Esser, 68, of Redfield, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Sanford Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation, with family present, will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. A Scriptural Prayer Service with Reverend John Short officiating, Time of Sharing, and a Rosary led by the Redfield Knights of Columbus will begin at 7:00 p.m.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield. Reverend John Short will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield.  Lunch and fellowship will follow in the church hall.

The prayer service and funeral Mass will be live-streamed with a link on the funeral home's website below Bill's obituary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

William John Esser was born to Roman and Theresa "Tressie" (Jandel) Esser on October 9, 1956, in Aberdeen, SD.

Bill grew up on the family farm with his 6 siblings.  He attended school in Redfield and graduated from Redfield High School with the Class of 1975.  After graduation, he continued his education at Lake Area Vo-Tech in Watertown, SD.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Redfield. In the summers, he enjoyed working alongside his brother, Mike, doing weed control for the county. He also worked at the South Dakota Development Center and the Redfield School.

Bill loved holidays, family get-togethers, and playing cards. He enjoyed dancing and socializing and looked forward to wedding dances; always making sure to dance with the bride before he went home.

He was a true, blue pheasant and if he wasn't able to attend a sporting event in person, he would find it on the radio.

Bill was a kind and gentle soul who never complained, no matter what life placed before him.  He loved his family and the Lord and spent his days helping and caring for others. He was a loyal brother, a favorite uncle, and a friend to anyone who knew him. Bill was very proud to be part of the Knights of Columbus and had attained his 4th degree.

Bill is survived by his brothers: Fran (Carol) Esser, and James (Jean) Esser all of Redfield, Leo Esser of Fargo, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Peggy Esser of Fargo, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roman and Theresa Esser, sister Anna Marie (Cletus) Simbeck, brothers Mike and Chris Esser, nephew Roman Esser, and sister-in-law Laura Esser.