William "Bill" Esslinger

William Esslinger, 91, of Hartford, WI passed away on March 18, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

William was born on June 4, 1934, in Hartford, WI to Emil and Della Esslinger. He married Patricia Grady on August 10, 1957, at St. Kilian Church in Hartford, WI. Together they shared 68 years of marriage.

William was known for owning Bill's Hartford Machine Shop where he worked with his father Emil and son Tom. Bill loved playing golf at the Hartford Golf Club where he had lifelong friends. Playing cribbage, Scat and Sheepshead with his buddies, living at Pike Lake, hunting and fishing. Bill was a member of the Hartford Lions Club and loved spending time with his Granddaughter Megan reading.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; son, Thomas Esslinger; daughter, Mary (Michael) Fritz; granddaughter, Megan; sisters, Marlene (Robert) Esslinger Hughes, Sandra Smith; sisters-in-law, Marvel Broker and Cathy Grady. He is further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by 2 infant daughters and 1 infant son; parents, Emil and Della Esslinger; sister, Heidi (Lyle) Karn; parents-in-law, Joseph and Alice Grady; brothers-in-law Donald and Gerald Grady.

Memorial Services for Bill will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union St., Hartford, WI 53027). Family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 p.m. until the start of service at 6:00 p.m. Reverend Richard Stoffel will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charity/Organization of one's choice.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Aurora Hospice for their amazing care.