William “Bill” F. Esser

MONTOFRT – William “Bill” F. Esser, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 27, 2025, at Dove Healthcare in Fennimore, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 24, 1946, in Dodgeville the son of Robert “Bob” and Elizabeth “Elsie” Esser. Bill was united in marriage to Nancy Nechvatal on September 20, 1970, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort.

Bill graduated from Iowa-Grant High School and then received his auto mechanic degree from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore. He began working for the Iowa-Grant School District as their bus mechanic until joining his father’s Texaco business in Montfort. Bill purchased the family business, later renaming it Esser’s Service, and ran it until retiring and selling his business in 2003.

Bill loved spending free time on the Mississippi River, fishing, boating, and spending time at his trailer with family and friends. He could also be found playing cards with his many friends at Sheddy’s or being with his sidekick “Billy Jack”. Bill dedicated himself to the community of Monfort and showed this by being a member of the Montfort Fire Department for over 50 years. He was also a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Bill adored his family, and together they appreciated all the wonderful times shared. The family would like to give a heartfelt “Thank You” to Sieanna Crest of Mineral Point, Dove Healthcare of Fennimore, and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care Bill received through the years.

Bill is survived by his wife Nancy, two daughters; Tammy Esser (Patrick Needham) and Jodi Esser (Jeremy Kitelinger), five grandchildren; Kaden and Jenna Paradis, Ella and Aaron Needham, and Caitlin Bottomly, sisters and brothers-in-law; Suanne (Larry) Didion, Judy (Paul) Henninger, Tim (Deb) Nechvatal, Ken (Kelly) Nechvatal along with many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Barbara (Dennis) Ross, father and mother-in-law-Bernard and Ellan Nechvatal, sister-in-law Kay Breseman, and brother-in-law Dan Nechvatal.

Immediately following the funeral service, the Montfort Fire Department will preform the Fireman's Last Call Service.