Steve Esser

Esser, John Stephen (Steve), owner Esser Inventory, 75, passed away on December 7, 2025. He was born on December 16, 1949, in Booneville, Missouri to Richard (Dick) and Mary Ellen (Chinkie) Esser.

Steve grew up in Sedalia, MO and was a Chevrolet mechanic and hobby farmer, eventually moving to Wichita, KS area for the inventory business. He started Esser Inventory, employing many family members over the years and traveling with Mary Jean. Steve enjoyed singing and playing the banjo; loved everyone’s pets and backyard animals, woodworking projects in his garage, building his hot rod, and spending time with his grandkids in the garden or pool or teaching them life skills and having fun.

He was preceded in death by his children, John Esser, Paul Esser; parents Dick Esser, Chinkie Esser; brothers, Rick Esser, George Esser.

Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jean Esser; children Christy Simonsen (Jim), Amy Denney (Matt), Kim Mahoney (Matt), Matt Esser (Gena), Vera Thomas, Hannah Esser; grandchildren Zach Simonsen (Juliana), Abbey Simonsen, Aaron Wojcik (Danielle), Nik Wojcik, Avery Denney, Rileigh Mahoney, Olivia Mahoney, Lauren Esser, Ally Esser, Natalie Esser, Grace Esser; great grandchildren, Audrey Wojcik, Raelynn Wojcik, Delaney Wojcik, Kane Wojcik; siblings, David Esser (Karen), Ron Esser; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.