It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend Lawrence Harvey Essmann, Larry to all who loved him. Larry was the son of Loretta Alta Essmann (nee
Danzer) and Chester Milton Essmann, and brother to Robert Martin Essmann, all deceased. He is survived by cousins Michelle Ambach, Judy Funke and Margaret Essmann, as well as countless friends who have enriched his life through the years.

Larry grew up in University City and attended Hawthorne Elementary, Brittany Junior High and University City High School, graduating in 1962. He continued his education at the University of Missouri, Columbia earning his Bachelor of Education in 1966 and his Master of Education in 1972. One of the highlights of his days at Mizzou were the friendships he
developed with Kim Blankenship and Terry Lay. Friendships that last over 55 years are rare and Larry considered these men not only friends, but family as well.

After graduation Larry began his teaching career in Baltimore but in 1967, he returned to St. Louis and began teaching in the Pattonville School District, at Carrolton Oaks Elementary School. Later he became a teacher and Assistant Principal at Remington Traditional School until he retired in 1997. He was a dedicated teacher who treated his students with kindness, respect and a deep sense of caring, at the same time holding them to high standards of achievement. This is evidenced by the number of former students who
remained in contact with him over the years, a number of which became life-long friends. He was also well respected by his fellow teachers serving as President of the Pattonville NEA
and on the Board of the Missouri NEA. These dear teachers that he worked with for so many years were also part of Larry’s treasured circle of friends, enriching his life during and
after his teaching career.

Larry was not only a wonderful teacher, put an active volunteer and philanthropist. He volunteered for many civic organizations including the Bridgeton Historical Society, The
Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, the Russell Krause House, the Edison Theatre, the Touhill Performing Arts Center and The Sheldon Concert Hall. All these institutions
benefitted from his commitment, knowledge and dedication.

As active as Larry was during his working years, he really took advantage of his retirement. He became an enthusiastic cyclist and helped organize, and founded the St. Louis
Recreational Cyclist Club, which has grown to over 120 members. He developed many meaningful and lasting friendship through this organization and gloried in biking the
surrounding areas as well as biking trips around the world with dear friends and fellow cyclists.

He was also a member of the St. Louis Ski club and truly enjoyed his two or three ski trips a year with his ski buddies. He skied with this group of friends well into his seventies.
When not cycling, skiing or volunteering Larry was traveling! His many trips through the years took him from neighboring states to all over the world. He biked the coast of Ireland,
explored the cities and backroads of China, cruised the rivers of Europe and managed to explore every continent except Antarctica. He shared these in-depth trips with friends and
took thousands of pictures to chronicle his world-wide adventures.

Through all his education, teaching, volunteering, hobbies, and travels Larry recently shared that the real joy and depth of his life was measured in his friendships. The friends he made, cherished, and shared his life with were his greatest joy and accomplishment. Please know that he leaves this world with all of your friendship, support, sense of adventure and love wrapped around him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Essman Family Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211.

Memorial Service and Mass  June 6, 2024, 10:00 am, St. Mathew the Apostle Catholic Church 2715 North Sarah, St. Louis 63113