Dr. Leonard William Esper, Jr.

Dr. Leonard William Esper, Jr., 76, lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away at 6:30 a.m., January 22, 2001, at St. John's Hospital. Dr. Esper was born September 13, 1924 the son of Leonard and Mae Francis Ryan Esper in Springfield, IL. He is survived by Virginia ''Jimmie'' Troy whom he married at Blessed Sacrament Church on November 27, 1947. He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Virginia ''Jimmie''; five children: David (wife Cindy) Esper of St. Louis, MO, Linda (husband-Mickey Finch) Esper of Springfield, Dr. Jody Esper of Valparaiso, IN, Mike (wife-Julie) Esper of Springfield, and Katie (husband-Peter) Esper Jelacic of Waukesha, WI; nine grandchildren: Jennifer (husband-Jeff), Josh, Peter, Andrea, Ryan, Jessica, Mallory, Joseph, and Nicholas; and two great grand-children: Alexis and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dr. Esper was a veteran of WWII serving under General Patton. He was a member of Christ the King Parish, President of G.V. Black State Dental Society, Executive Board Member of Delta Dental Society, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans, Yacht Club, Motor Boat Club, Volunteer at St, John's Pavillion, and was a member of the R.O.M.E.O. Club. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 with a Wake Service at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at Christ the King Church on Thursday, January 25, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. David Lantz celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be performed. Memorial contributions may be made to Lincoln Memorial Gardens 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL 62707. The family of Dr. Leonard W. Esper, Jr. is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.