Darrell E. Esse

POYNETTE –  Darrell E. Esse, age 72, died on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Darrell was born on January 25, 1939, in Morrisonville, the son of Norman and Annabelle (Grinde) Esse.  Darrell served his country in the United States Army as a Tank Driver and Tank Gunner.  He was father and best friend to his son Bret, whom he worked with at the WWII Museum in Portage.  Darrell loved reading, and playing Euchre, and was a huge Packers fan.  He also loved helping others, driving many people to doctor’s appointments and sometimes waiting for them for hours.            

Darrell is survived by his son; Bret (Bonnie) Esse; his daughter, Wendy Esse; his brother, Duane (Sandra) Esse; his sisters, Pat (Jack) Reigstad, and Beverly Quartuccio; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Cassandra Esse, and his soulmate, Rachel Denman.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Chaplain Linda Riggs officiating. Burial will follow in Bristol Lutheran     Cemetery with Military Graveside Services.  Visitation will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.