John William Esser

John William Esser, 64, of La Grande, died April 29 at his home with family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. His memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Valley Fellowship Church in La Grande.

John was born March 10, 1947, in Spokane to Harold John and Jean (Williams) Esser. He was raised in Spokane until 1961 when he and his family moved to Walla Walla. He graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School.

He attended Gonzaga University before enlisting in the U.S. Army, and spent three years in Vietnam.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he finished his schooling and received his associate degree from Walla Walla Community College. In 1973, he married Kathy

Rook, and they moved to La Grande. They divorced in 1976. John married Donna Hiatt in 1983.

John was a seasonal worker for the Forest Service. He was employed by the city of La Grande as a purchasing manager. John was a member of the National Guard for La Grande and Baker City for 18 years and the recipient of several military awards. He attained the rank of first sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time in the woods, and was a member of the NRA. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers play football. John was known for raising large gardens every year.

Surviving are his wife, Donna; children, Barbara Nielsen of Kennewick, Teresa Blow of Australia, New South Wales, Michael Esser and his wife, Steffany, of Milton-Freewater, Elizabeth Esser and Thomas Esser of Portland; brother, Timothy and his wife, Cynthia Esser, of Pullman, Wash.; sister, Barbara Esser and her husband, Dave Vezzani, of Vaughn, Wash.; three grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jean Esser.

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