William “Bill” L. Esker, 61 of Teutopolis, passed away on Monday, May 27^th surrounded by his family at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Teutopolis.  The visitation will be Thursday, May 30^th from 3-7 PM.   A parish wake service & rosary will follow at 7 PM.  Funeral mass and burial will be Friday, May 31^st at 10:30 AM.  Bill was born on July 17, 1951 in Flora, IL the son of J.B. & Dolores Esker.  He married Mary Lou Schumacher on June 30, 1973 at St. Michael’s Church, Sigel, IL.  Together they raised 6 children:  Jammie (Brian) Schaer of Elmhurst, IL; Jackie (Jay) Zerrusen of Norwalk, CT; Matt (Kristi) Esker of Teutopolis, IL; Josh Esker of Teutopolis, IL; Billi (Aaron) Jansen of Effingham, IL;  Ashlie (Brian) Shaffer of Annapolis, MD.  He was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Nolan, Caden, Gavin & Warren Schaer; Justine, Jaclyn & Jenna Zerrusen; Benjamin & Stella Esker; Louis, Noah, & Freddie Jansen; Violet Shaffer.

Bill was President  & CEO of J.B. Esker & Sons Concrete Construction of Teutopolis, IL.  Bill was known for his innovative ideas in the construction industry.  He served twice as President of the Concrete Foundation Association and was a member of the organization for 35 years.  Bill was also President of Mid-Illinois Concrete.

Added by CFA:  “The concrete foundations industry has lost a great innovator and friend,” states Ed Sauter, CFA Executive Director.

Bill was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Teutopolis, IL.  He served on the Parish Council, the Cemetery Board, and the Parish Grounds Committee.  He was also a member of the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus.  Bill was a volunteer fireman for 37 years and assistant fire chief for 25 years.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed spending time on his “Ranch”, and refurbishing and riding golf carts.  His favorite golf cart riding companions were Mary Lou and his 13 grandchildren.

Bill’s brothers and sister are Larry (Sue) Esker, Joe (Angie) Esker, Kathy (Aaron) Wellbaum all of Teutopolis, Steve (Sandy) Esker and Greg (Rosina) Esker all of Dieterich.

He was preceded in death by his father J.B. “Barney” Esker.

Bill was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2004.  Memorial donations may be made in honor of Bill to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis.