Dr. Richard Phillip Elsesser DVM.

Dr. Richard P. Elsesser, DVM died Wednesday, January 29th at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso. He valiantly fought a long battle with renal failure, heart failure, chainsaws that refused to start, short door frames, and a crippling addiction to red licorice.
He was born on opening day of deer season, November 15th, 1951 to Albert A. Elsesser Jr and Joyce (Johnson) Elsesser. From that point forward, we celebrated his birthdays in absentia until the last few years, as he would rather be out complaining about the deer he wasn't seeing.
Rich grew up in Perry, graduating from Perry High School in 1969. After a childhood of chasing wildlife and having wacky pets (Deer! Foxes! Bison! His sisters!), it only made sense to follow his father's footsteps and become a veterinarian. Before graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine ('74), Rich took the opportunity to marry his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Flannery, in 1972. She survives him. His messes and piles of random crap shall survive them both.
It feels insufficient to try to sum up his career and adventures in a couple sentences. He cared deeply for his clients and their animals, both large (equine) and small (Pinecrest Animal Clinic). After retiring around 2000, he and Rebecca found themselves in Stonington, Tucson, and everywhere in between before settling back in Owosso.
Rich had lots of great ideas that he'd decide weren't so great days later. He had lots of projects that created some impressive swears that, if you listen really hard, can still be heard on quiet nights.
Most of all, Rich had lots of friends. Friends who came to help out as his health began to fail these past few years. Dr. Craig (Beth) Hook, Jerry Niemi, and Jim (Marilyn) Wilkinson – Thank you. His vet partner in crime, Dale Dumaw, predeceased him, which means he was likely the first to greet him in waders with his glorious mullet, a fishing rod and that twinkle in his eye as Rich breathed his last.
Rich was predeceased by his parents, Al and Joyce. Surviving him are his wife of 52 years Rebecca, sons Adam (Penni) Elsesser and Brock (Christine) Elsesser as well as siblings Theresa (Lou) Lambert, Charles (Cathy) Elsesser, Mary (Dan) Willett and many nieces, nephews who were much loved.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, 214 S. Main St. Perry.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Elsesser's name may be made to Shiawassee County Humane Society, where he volunteered his skills many years ago, much to the chagrin of the animals who had planned on having lots of children.
Condolences and Memories can be shared with the family at WatkinsFuneralHomes.com