Arden "Ardie" A. Esslinger

Arden “Ardie” A. Esslinger, 66, Athens, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.

He was born November 26, 1958, in Portage, son of the late William and Marilyn (Hoefle) Esslinger. On April 16, 1980, he married Juanita “Tina” Nieto in California.

Ardie proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps after high school. Ardie worked 38 years at Wausau Papers before the Mill closed, then at Greenheck before retiring. He enjoyed hunting, especially duck hunting and treasured fishing with his children and grandchildren.

Ardie was an avid baseball fan who loved the Milwaukee Brewers, watching his grandchildren play baseball, and attending their games. He also celebrated everything by lighting fireworks and sharing those moments with the people he loved.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita “Tina” Esslinger; children, Joseph Esslinger, Emily (Michael) Osness, Arden Christopher (Shaunda) Esslinger and Amber (David) Sessions; grandchildren, Andrew and Cade Esslinger, Cole and Jesse Osness, Katelynn, Christopher, Arianna, Michael, Kyle and Juliahna Esslinger, Nathan and Brynn Sessions; siblings, William J. (Cheryl) Esslinger, James (Bonnie) Esslinger, David Esslinger and Ann (Curt) Bostic, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Marshfield Medical Center.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com