Lillian M. Essler

Lillian M. Essler, 95, of Monticello, formerly of Palos Heights, IL passed away at 8:40 pm, Sunday, January 4, 2015 at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello. She was born on March 23, 1919 in Irwin, Iowa to the late Henry and Anna (Passig) Frees. On December 19, 1942 she married Gerhard Essler in Irwin, Iowa. He preceded her in death. She graduated from Avoca High School in Avoca, Iowa and was a homemaker, a governess, and a private chef. She was a member of All Saints Lutheran church in Orland Park, Illinois. She is survived by daughter, Carol (Larry Krell) Gardner-Krell of Monticello; sister, Erna (Louis) Odenahl of Manning, IA; brother, John (Margaret) Frees of Manning, IA; 6 grandchildren, Eric Anthony Bovino, Heidi Marie (Keith) Kirchner, Jessica Anna (Robert) Langman, Kris Gardner, Julia Tobin and David Henry Krell; 6 great grandchildren, Hannah Nicole Bovino, Madeline Rebecca Bovino, Amanda Faith Kirchner, Tessa Rose Kirchner, Katie Rose Krell and Ryan David Krell. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Henry Frees; and a sister, Margaret Trumph. Memorial services will be at 11 am (CT), Saturday, January 24, 2015 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Orland Park, Illinois. Burial will follow at the Oakland Memory Lanes in Dolton, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be given to the All Saints Lutheran Church with envelopes available at the church.