Bradly Allen Essman

Fleming Island, FL

Brad Essman, 43, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Fleming Island, Florida. The family will greet friends at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6th and Keo Way, Des Moines, IA. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. also at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Brad was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 24, 1969. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1987. He received a B.S. in Finance from Iowa State University and an MBA from Drake University. Throughout his career he earned several securities licenses including his Series 7, 8, 24, 53, 63, 65, and 66. He was employed by Wachovia Securities in Des Moines for 9 years and most recently worked at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida.

Brad loved his children, Katherine and Zachary dearly. He was an adventurer and an explorer. He enjoyed fishing and camping particularly in the boundary waters of Canada and Minnesota. He was an expert skier and has made many trips to Colorado since 1980. He loved the ocean and learning how to shrimp in Florida. Brad ran several marathons including Chicago and Boston. He was passionate about his favorite team, the Iowa State Cyclones!

Brad is remembered by his wife, Donna Essman; children, Katherine and Zachary of West Des Moines, IA; step-children, Larissa, Sydney, and Faith of Fleming Island, FL; mother, Denise Essman of Cumming, IA; grandmothers, Eleanor Bricker of Waukee, IA and Harriette Essman of West Des Moines, IA; brothers, Brady (Heidi) of Des Moines, IA and Barrett (Mary) of Rock Island, IL; aunt, Deanna Essman (Max) of Des Moines, IA; uncle, Bill Bricker (Linda) of Shawnee, KS; a niece, nephew, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Kent Essman and his grandfathers, Harold Bricker and John Essman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Iowa State University Foundation - Finance Department Scholarship Fund, #2700579.