CAMPBELLSPORT — Sister Jeanette Esser (Joan of Arc), SSSF
School Sister of St. Francis Jeanette Esser, who lived her religious vocation as a musician for more than 60 years, died December 31, 2012, at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, Wisconsin. Sister was 81.
The daughter of Frank and Frances Esser, she was born March 16, 1931, in Lomira, Wisconsin. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis June 13, 1949; made her first profession of vows June 21, 1951; and final (perpetual) vows June 21, 1957.
Sister Jeanette is survived by her brother Norman Esser; sisters Carol Murphy and Jane Gurno; nieces and nephews; and the School Sisters of St. Francis Community with whom she shared her life for 63 years.
Beginning in 1951, Sister Jeanette ministered in Wisconsin and Illinois for more than six decades. In the Diocese of Madison, Sister served as musician at St. Charles School in Cassville (1954-1962; 1965-1967), at Saints Anthony and Philip School in Highland (1967-1968), and at St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains (1969-1973).
A wake and Funeral Liturgy were held January 4, 2013, at St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport, followed by burial at Sisters Cemetery.