Marcella “Sally” Gertrude (Schwaiger) Esser, 94, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Brookside Care Center. Born on May 28, 1923, she was a lifelong resident of Kenosha. She was the last survivor of eleven children born to Hugh and Gertrude (Willems) Schwaiger. She was educated in Kenosha; St. George Grade School, Washington Junior High, and graduated from Bradford in the class of 1942. Upon graduation she was employed in the office of the Wisconsin Telephone Company as a cashier. In 1947, she married Arnold J. Esser of Madison. She left the work force in the 1950’s to start a family. When her children were young, she was a crossing guard for six years at the corner of 39th Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Upon re-entering the workforce full time, she was employed at Kenosha Hospital where she retired from the Medical Records Department in 1985. She then worked part time for eight years in the Unified School lunch program. Sally was a member of the Senior Citizens and a volunteer at Brookside Care Center. She was an avid reader and lifetime member of the Friends of the Library. She also belonged to several Round Robin Bridge Clubs and was a Brewers fan. Surviving are her children, Gay Anne (Bill) Birkholz of Necedah, and Timothy (Mary) Esser of Janesville; her grandson, Paul Birkholz of Superior; grandson, Eric (Emily) Esser; step grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Miller, Jami (David) Grams, Kerri Strickland, and their children. Also, special to her heart, Faith and Jace Grams. She is further survived by her sisters-in-law, May Schwaiger and Cathy Schwaiger, many nieces and nephews and longtime dear friends, Patricia Koessl and Lois Walker. Preceding her in death was her husband of 64 years, Arnie in 2010; brothers and spouses, Clarence (Janet) Schwaiger, Leo Schwaiger, Richard (Esther) Schwaiger, Joseph (Joyce) Schwaiger and Francis Schwaiger; sisters and spouses, Mary Hugh, Rita (Sylvester) Smith, Leona (Edwin) Glerum, Colette (Tom) Martin and Gertrude (Leo) Valentine; and grandson, Craig Birkholz. Services were privately held per Sally’s wishes.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Sally’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com