Ryan J. Essman

With a heavy heart, we announce that Ryan Essman, age 45, passed away at home on January 11th, 2024. 

Ryan was born on August 20th, 1978, to Dan and Wendy Essman. Ryan grew up in Waterford attending St. Thomas Grade School, Fox River Middle School, and then graduated from Waterford High School in 1996. After high school, he attended WCTC and graduated with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. 

After working at the Cotton Picker and Cotton Exchange in his early career, Ryan moved to Madison in 2001 to work in hotel management. In 2021, Ryan decided to return to Waterford to be closer to family. 

Ryan had a lifelong love of sports. Starting at a young age, he played soccer, baseball, basketball, and tennis. Those who knew Ryan, know that he was an avid Bears fan and enjoyed all types of fishing. 

Ryan is survived by his parents, Dan and Wendy, his brother Mike (Jodi), and his sister Lindsey (Jake) Molgaard. Ryan was a loving uncle to Ava, Chloe, Ella, and Caleb. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ryan is preceded in death by his grandparents Jack and Rose Essman and Robert and Jane Prailes, uncle Jim Prailes, and aunts Diane and Pat Prailes.

A celebration of Ryan’s life will take place on January 19th, 2024, at Community Church Waterford (455 S Jefferson St, Waterford, WI 53185).  The memorial gathering will be held from 3pm until time of services at 4:50pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ryan J. Essman, please visit our floral store.