Wilma Rosa Esselman

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Wilma treasured the time she spent with her family.

Wilma Rosa Esselman, of Perryville, entered eternal rest on August 17, 2026, at her residence at the age of 84. She was born in Perryville, Missouri, on August 27, 1941, to the late Leo and Hilda (Moeckel) Oswald. She was united in marriage to Robert Esselman on December 16, 1995, in Perryville, Missouri.

She is survived by her son, Michael Bemis and his wife, Mary (Kreiger) Bemis; her daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Bemis; her stepdaughters, Nancy Sanders, Joan Wilfong, and Mary Ann Popielarczyk; her stepson, Robert Esselman, Jr.; her son-in-law, Gary Popielarczyk; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as her step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Wilma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Esselman; her five brothers, Herman, Ben, Ruben, Arnold, and Alfred; and her two sisters, Norma McIntyre and Olga Oswald.

Wilma was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville. She worked as a janitor at St. Vincent High School for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. Above all, Wilma treasured the time she spent with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.