Norbert Essler

Norbert F. "Norb" Essler, age 74, of Melrose, died on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 26 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vincent Lieser officiating. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.

Norbert "Norb" Essler was born December 29, 1933 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Anton and Agnes (Doege) Essler. He was united in marriage to Alice V. Bjoralt on October 24, 1959 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Norb was a graduate of Sauk Centre High School and Dunwoody Institute for automobiles. He worked at a number of businesses throughout the area including Melrose Motors for many years and also at Thull Construction. He liked fishing and especially enjoyed old cars. He was a member at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.

Survivors include his 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Agnes Essler; wife, Alice Essler on September 4, 2004; and sister, Laura Hollenkamp on January 24, 2006.

Serving as casket bearers will be Dave Siefermann, Charles Nathe, Mark Hollenkamp, Josh Hollenkamp, Ken Duerr, and Michael Hollenkamp. Cross bearer will be Josh Kramer and scripture bearer will be Heather Daley.