Deacon Esswein died Nov. 2 at age 82. Born in Kansas City, Mo., he married Doris Corbett in 1959. He worked as an electrical engineer at Anheuser-Busch for 31 years before his retirement.

Deacon Esswein was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate in 1997 by Cardinal Justin Rigali. He served his entire ministry at St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, retiring in 2011.

In addition to his performance of the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending and presiding at funerals and wake services, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion Services when needed, performing baptisms, conducting benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross, Deacon Esswein served as Marriage Tribunal advocate. Later, he served fellow residents and staff in the nursing home where he was living.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Esswein; four children, Rich Esswein, Jim Esswein, Ann Esswein and Peggy Favazza; 10 grandchildren; and two brothers, Ted Esswein and Larry Esswein. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery.