Walter R. Essig, 78, Sauk Rapids

May 14, 1937 - June 30, 2015

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday July 8, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud, for Walter R. Essig, age 78, of Sauk Rapids, who passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Reverend Greg Lieser will officiate. The Sauk Rapids American Legion Post #254 will provide military honors after the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Crystal, MN.

Family and friends may call from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Walter was born on May 14, 1937 to Russell and Wilma (Manson) Essig in Kandiyohi County. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for Quast Transfer for most of his life where he was awarded for having traveled three million miles without any tickets or accidents. Walter enjoyed breeding and showing horses. He was most proud of his 1975 World Champion Quarter Horse, Tonto’s Light, and his stud horse Carver’s Pleasure. He had an incredible eye for detail with his horses and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Walter was also very proud of his English Springer Spaniels, Murphy and Scarlett O’Hara. He had great affection for animals, especially his newest best buddy Hershey. Walter was known as a patient listener and for giving great advice over a Cherry Pepsi. He loved his family and friends dearly.

He is survived by his children, James Essig, Susie (Gary) Casal, Kimberly (Brian) Reynolds, Jodie (Steve) Reimer; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Janice Drew of SC, Janet (Wally) Mai of Myrtle Creek, OR, Bill (Clara) Essig of Fargo, ND, Joann (Robert) Holman of Ironton, Gloria (Harvey) Stolp of Hackensack, Barb Horesji of Tampa Bay, FL, Rita (Brad) Ray of Walker, and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents and sons, Dennis and Robert.

A special thanks to the Rapid Recovery staff of Country Manor.