Louis Esker, 73, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023 at his home in Effingham surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm, followed by visitation until 7:00 pm, Monday at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Teutopolis Knights of Columbus for the upkeep of the Monastery Tower.

Louis was born on December 28th, 1949 in Lillyville to Louis and Matilda (Hoene) Esker, and was one of ten children. He graduated in 1968 from Teutopolis High School and continued on to Eastern Illinois University, where he graduated in 1972 after studying business.  November 4th, 1988 was a day to remember as he was united in marriage to Darlene Bloemer, a union in which they found joy in their children Hannah, Heather, and Hayden.

Louis felt pride in his family, friends, and faith, which remained strong throughout his life. He loved growing up in Teutopolis and was often seen cruising the town in his white truck while meeting his friends. He enjoyed sports immensely; as a teenager, he built his own pitcher's mound in order to practice and played #1 doubles on the tennis team the first time T-town won districts in '68 (a claim to fame he liked to remind his children as he watched them play). Later in life, he started the T-Town adult fast-pitch softball league. Louis was always willing to lend a helping hand, which was reflected in his work as a carpenter. Not only did he build many houses for families within the T-Town community, but he also rebuilt the Monastery Tower free of charge. The Tower is still standing today and is a testament to the type of man Louis was – steadfast even in the face of adversity.

A man of the Catholic faith, Louis was good friends with the Franciscan Friars and looked to Fr. Placid Hermann as a role model. In his free time, he enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball and spending time with his family. He could often be seen tilling the garden, watching the birds, taking his dog to the park, and supporting his wife at the Farmer's Market. Comedy movies and 60s music could often be heard throughout the house whenever Louis was home.

Louis is survived by his wife Darlene; children Hannah Meece, Heather Esker, and Hayden (Elizabeth) Esker, and grandchild Jude Esker; brothers Dave (Barb) Esker and Mike Esker; sisters, Karen Weber, Ruth (Bob) Einhorn and Alice (Terry) Gephart; brother-in-law, David Probst.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Esker, Matilda Esker-Bierman and Lawrence Bierman; son-in-law, Landon Meece; brothers, Bobbie Esker, Roger Esker, Dan Esker; sister, Marlene Probst; brother-in-law, Bruce Weber; sister-in-law, Cathy Esker.