John R. EsserRacine- John R. Esser, 85, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 with his family at his side.John was born in Racine on July 26, 1923 to Peter and Agnes (nee: Jacobsen) Esser. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High in 1942. John served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII participating in the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Auschwitz. John married the former Marion Patrick in Racine on July 27, 1946. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on June 27, 2008. John taught mechanical engineering at Gateway Technical College for over 15 years and was a foreman at Dana Corporation for 27 years until his retirement in 1986. John is survived by his son, Brian J. Esser and daughter in law, Lori A. Esser; two granddaughters, Brianna (Christopher) Chaffee and Katrina Esser; sister, Virginia Molgaard and brother in law, Charles Saliscente. John is also survived by nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Richard Esser, grandson Bradley Esser and sister Delmay Saliscente.Private family services for John will be held. Inurnment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.