Obituary: Clarence Joseph Esser - Class of 1943

ORLANDO, FLA.- Clarence Joseph Esser, age 84, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2009. He was born in Madison, May 13, 1925, to Lawrence and Paulina (Michels) Esser. After graduating from Central High School in Madison in 1943, he attended the University of Wisconsin where he excelled as an outstanding tackle on the football field. He was the most valuable player in 1944 and 1945, and captain in 1946. He played professional football for the 1947 Chicago Cardinals. They won the NFL Championship that year beating the Philadelphia Eagles (28 - 21). Andrea Adelson wrote an article in the Orlando Sentinel, prior to the 2009 Super Bowl, about Clarence and his football history. After football he was a salesman and manager, primarily in the field of insurance. He moved his family from Wisconsin to Jacksonville, Fla., in 1948. He lived in the Orlando area since 1975. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Esser Neet (Fred) of Minneapolis, Minn.; his stepdaughters, Ruth Becker (Ed), Cindi Post (George), Kay Franklin, Ronna Clayton and their mother Anita Esser all of Tampa, Fla.; brothers, Arnold Esser (Sally) of Kenosha, Norbert Esser (Sue) of Greenville, S.C., and Vincent Esser (Lillian) of Danville, Calif.; sister, Laverna Schittone of Oak Creek; sister-in-law, Joyce Anderson of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Raymond and Lawrence. The family wishes to thank his favorite neighbors, the Smith Family: Darla, Bob, Derek and Summer, who were always there for him. Roxie and Ernie will miss him too. The family respectfully requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Comforter in his honor, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, (407) 682-0808.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 4, 2009