Francis R. Esslinger, son of Francis N. Esslinger and Della (Smith) Esslinger was born on July 25, 1938 in Clay County, Kansas, and passed away on November 15, 2023 at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas, at the age of 85.
Francis graduated from Belleville High School and Dodge City Community College. He was united in marriage to Marsha Tupa on August 18, 1988.
He was a Life Insurance Agent. He served with the Army National Guard. He was a member of St. Edwards's Catholic Church, Belleville, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis N. and Della Esslinger.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha Esslinger of Belleville, Kansas; one son, F. Travis (Keri) Esslinger of Bowling Green, Kentucky; one daughter, Monica Hoel of Salina, Kansas; three stepsons, Matt Shea of Greenwood, Missouri, Scott Shea of Wichita, Kansas, Nick Shea of Telluride, Colorado; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eva Marie Rhodes of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Linda (Bill) Skinner of Ralston, Nebraska, Brenda (Craig) Buehler of Katy, Texas; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Belleville, Kansas, Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Father Joseph Kieffer officiating and Deacon Steve Heiman assisting.
Burial will be in Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, Kansas, with Military Graveside Services by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Vigil/Rosary service will be held 6 PM Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Bachelor-Surber Chapel, Belleville, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to the Francis R. Esslinger Memorial Fund.
Friends may call on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 1 PM to 8 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas.
Online Condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com