Erma Esser

De Soto/Middleton- Erma Esser, age 65, passed away on March 5, 2009 surrounded by her loving family at Gunderson Memorial Lutheran Hospital, LaCrosse.  She was born on December 13, 1943, in Viroqua the daughter of Richard & Pauline (Rush) Watson.  Erma was united in marriage to Robert Esser on November 4, 1961.  She was employed with the State of Wisconsin at the UW as a custodian in its Housing Department and with the UW Extension.  Erma was employed there until her health issues forced her to retire.  While working at the UW, she met people from all over the world and helped so many people during their stays here in Wisconsin.  Erma enjoyed camping, gardening, canning and traveling.  Although she enjoyed many things she got her greatest enjoyment from her family and friends, who she loved dearly.  She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert of De Soto; her daughters, Mary (Randy) Wirts, Middleton and Jane (Mike) Simpson, Mazomanie; her two granddaughters, Mariah Wirts and Makayla Simpson; her brothers and sisters, Richard ""Earl"" (Iva) Watson, Hemphill, TX, Evan Watson, Cross Plains, Emma Jean (Dave) Elton, Cazenovia, Elmer Watson, Madison, Elaine (Bill) Cooper, Apopka, FL, Edna (Brian Thompson) Watson, Orlando, FL; Brothers and Sisters--in-Law, many nieces & nephews , and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Edith Beduhn and brothers, Edward and Eric.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, Waunakee,  with Msgr. James Gunn presiding. Burial will be held in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Ashton.  Visitation will be held on Monday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.      Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5787 Hwy Q Waunakee , WI www.cressfuneralservice.com