William F. Esslinger

William "Bill" F. Esslinger 72, Antigo, formerly of Wausau, died after a courageous battle with cancer, Friday, February 29, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born January 16, 1936 in Fairbank, Iowa, son of the late Arthur and Dorothy (Bierie) Esslinger. On August 17, 2002, he married Elena Pimenova in Elcho, Wis. She survives. Bill was a veteran of the United States Marines, serving during the Korean War. For many years, he was a regional sales manager for Maytag Corp. until his retirement. He was a Mason with the Knights Templar of Summit Lake, a member of the Wausau Elks Lodge #248 and a First Responder for the Elcho Fire Department. Among his many interests, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, being outdoors and was very proud of his dog, "Quake". He also enjoyed playing the role of Santa Claus for area hospitals. Spending time with his family and grandchildren was especially important to him. Survivors include, his wife, Elena Esslinger, Antigo; five children, William (Cheryl) Esslinger, Rhinelander, Arden (Tina) Esslinger, town of Berlin, Jim (Bonnie) Esslinger, Mosinee, David Esslinger, Antigo and Ann (Curtis) Bostic, Milford, Conn.; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one brother, Arden (Barb) Esslinger, Georgia; and two brothers-in-law, John (Ruth) Hoefle, Arizona and Dennis (Phyllis) Hoefle, Adams-Friendship, Wis. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Marilyn Esslinger. Funeral services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Deacon William Green will officiate. Burial will be in the Elcho Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until time of services at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all of their wonderful care and support for Bill and his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com