Sharpsburg native Fred J. Esser, 75, of Sidney, died at 9:05 a.m. Oct. 18, 2007, at his home.

He was born Nov. 17, 1931, in Sharpsburg, to Ignatius and Sarah White Esser. On Dec. 29, 1956, he married Rose E. Bey, who survives.

Other survivors include five sons, Larry (Virginia), Fort Loramie, Steven (Diane), of Anna, Doug (Jenny), Sidney, and Randy and John, both of Botkins; four daughters, Anita, Botkins, Karen (Steve) Zimmerman, Fort Loramie, Sandy (Curt) Wells, Anna, and Jeanie (Ron) Bergman, Botkins; three sisters, Ruth Wellman, Celina, Dolores (Clete) Eilerman, Columbus, and Agnes (Melvin) Luthman, Botkins; a brother-in-law, Norbert Watercutter, McCartyville; and 22 grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Kenneth; two brothers, Herbert and Edmund; two sisters, Mary Margaret Sutter and Frances Watercutter; two brothers-in-law, Edwin Sutter and Alfred Wellman; and a sister-in-law, Mary Lynn.

He was a farmer and retired after 42 years at the Stolle Corp., Sidney. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 5239, both of McCartyville.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Pat Welsh officiating. Burial with military honors is at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at the church.

Contributions can be made to Wilson Hospice Care.

Arrangements were handled by Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.