Karlheinz (Karl) Peter Esser, 88, of Franklin left this beautiful earth surrounded by his loving children on Sept. 6, 2025.
He was born Dec. 27, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Henry and Maria Esser.
Mr. Esser studied civil and mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh before leaving school to take a job with the Bureau of Mines. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served his country on two separate occasions when called upon. Eventually he married and relocated to Washington, D.C. where he worked for 37 years for the United States Department of Interior.
He inspired a love of nature and the environment in his four children, who spent many a weekend with him backpacking along the Appalachian Trail.
In the late 70s, he fulfilled his dream of going back to the land and bought property in Pendleton County. After retiring from the National Park Service in 1993, he and his wife, Yvonne, moved to their sylvan piece of paradise, cultivated an organic vegetable garden and orchard, and planted thousands of spring bulbs and perennials. He was an animal lover and made space in his home and heart for all the cats in the surrounding forest who somehow knew he would provide shelter and food.
He was a kind and generous man, and a beloved father. He cherished his family, friends, and neighbors and will be missed.
His second wife, Yvonne Higgs Esser, and his longtime companion Della Spitzer, preceded him in death.
Surviving are four children, Steven Esser and wife, Robin of Adolphus, Kentucky, Ben Esser and partner, Dale Pferrer of Pompano Beach, Florida, Jennifer Esser and husband, Alan Levine of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Jeff Esser and wife, Junko Nomura of Kobe, Japan; two granddaughters Natasha Esser Levine and Ema Nomura Esser; and a brother Walter Esser (Judy) of Cary, North Carolina.
If one wishes to honor his memory, please consider a donation to one’s favorite animal rescue organization.
