Gerard Paul "Marter" Essner

New Hamburg, MO

Gerard Paul “Marter” Essner (62) of New Hamburg, MO died on Monday, October 6, 2025 in Mississippi County. He was born in Cape Girardeau, MO on January 10, 1963, to Paul and Geneva (Seyer) Essner. He and Carolyn Scherer were married May 19, 1984, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, MO. They weren't just husband and wife, they were best friends, happily married for 42 years. Together, they built a legacy which was rooted in faith, love for family, and a commitment to always be by one another's side.

Gerard attended Kelso C-7 School in New Hamburg, MO. He graduated from Kelly High School in Benton, MO in 1981. Gerard was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, MO. He was President of the Parish Council for several years, taught and assisted with the Sunday School Program for 30 plus years, a member of St. Joseph Club at St. Lawrence Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Oran, MO.

Gerard was a retired United States Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class E-7. He served in the Missouri Army National Guard for 27 years. He completed a deployment, Operation Iraqi Freedom, with the HHC 1140th Engineer Battalion from Cape Girardeau, MO, during the years of 2004-2005.

Gerard’s willingness to lend a hand and help others touched countless lives. Gerard had a wide range of skills and hobbies. He was knowledgeable as a skilled mechanic and could literally fix anything. What he enjoyed most was farming alongside his father, Paul, and son, Zachary. Together, they created an operation, which they named Gerard and Zach Essner Farms.

He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, who's goofiness could brighten anyone's day. He loved spending his time with his wife, children and grandchildren (who knew him as PawPaw), always bringing laughter wherever he went. He enjoyed attending the kids’ sporting events, taking the kids fishing or hunting, and going on rides to simply enjoy nature. His one-of-a-kind sense of humor and the way he made everyone smile will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

Gerard leaves behind a legacy of love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn and his children Ashley (Kerry Wayne) Lasters, Zachary (Jacklyn) Essner, Abby (Dawson) Mayo; and his greatest love, his grandchildren, Tate Essner, Kinley Lasters, Maggie Essner, Cole Lasters, Leo Essner, and Charlee Mayo. His brothers and sisters; Theresa Essner, Ronnie (Laura) Essner, Sheila Harper, Curtis (Cheryl) Essner, Jeffrey (Gina) Essner, Melissa (Justin) Sullivan and Jamie (Emily) Essner. His brothers and sister in-laws, Marilyn (Lonnie) Sievers, Paul (Beverly) Scherer, James Scherer, Jane (Pat) Fosse; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerard is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Geneva (Seyer) Essner; Father and Mother in-law, Theon and Leona (Schwartz) Scherer; his niece and godchild Kelsi Essner; and brother in-law Ricky Harper.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at St. Lawrence Parrish Center in New Hamburg, Missouri with Parish Prays at 4:00 and Knights of Columbus service to follow. Visitation will also be on Monday from 8:00 am - 9:30 am at the St. Lawrence Parish Center. 

Funeral Mass will be conducted on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM in St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Belken as celebrant with Rev. Tomasz Wilk, and Msgr. Normand Varone as concelebrants. . Interment will follow in the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapels assisting with arrangements.