Theodore A. Esswein

Having received the Apostolic Blessing and being fortified by the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Theodore A. Esswein Jr. died in his sleep April 28th 2023. Devoted husband of Judy (née Pudwell) Esswein to whom he was married 61 years. A true family patriarch and loving father of Lisa (Rick) Proctor, Drs. MaryBeth (William) Kapp, Theodore (Dr. Laura) Esswein III, Drs. Christine (William) Wester and Michelle (Michael) Friedman. Cherished grandfather of 21 grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Ricky (Courtney), Ryan, Steven (Giselle), and Austin Proctor, Lauren (née Proctor) (Paul) Tychsen; Dr. Kelly Kapp, Reagan (née Kapp) (Hunter) Michielson, and William Kapp IV; Michael (Kristie) Wester, Dr. Christopher, John William, and Matthew Wester; Dr. Julia, Theodore IV, Dr. Anthony, Robert (Sophia), Katrina, and Brianna Esswein; Rayna, Michael, and Luke Friedman, and loving great-grandfather of Raya and Damien Proctor, Remington and Monroe Tychsen and Hallie Wester. Dear Brother of late Leo (Doris), Larry (Glennetta), and late Sr. Mary Therese Esswein. Dear Brother-in-law of MaryAnn Russell, Jackie Kuehner, and late Patricia Hellweg and beloved uncle and cousin to many nieces, nephews, and relatives special to him.

Theodore was born in Kansas City on January 28, 1933, the eldest of four children of Theodore and Margaret (Franke) Esswein. Sadly, his father died in 1937 of tuberculosis when Ted was only four, requiring him to develop leadership skills and take on responsibility from an early age. The family moved to St. Louis, where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School. A recipient of numerous academic scholarships, he attended St. Louis University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1955 followed by a Master of Science Research Degree in Engineering. Ted completed a groundbreaking thesis on Space Vehicle Voltage Regulators, pioneering visionary research for future space travel. He is remembered for saying that “the only things that can never be taken from you are your faith, your integrity, and your education.”

A devoted patriot, he was a commissioned officer for the United States Air Force 1956-1959, where during the Cold War, Ted was an aircraft navigator, electronic warfare officer, and electronics countermeasure specialist with the B66 special reconnaissance wing at the Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, flying the RB66C spy plane with the 42nd tactical reconnaissance squadron.

Returning as a Captain after two years overseas, he worked at Union Electric–Ameren UE where he met Judy, his cherished wife of 61 years. He continued to serve in the reserves at the Air Force’s request until 1968 due to his specialized expertise in reconnaissance and electronic espionage which has only recently been declassified. He was active in the B66 society until his death and maintained friendships across the country with members of his air squadron visiting back and forth with friends both stateside and overseas. After 42 years of service, Theodore retired from Ameren UE. He was dedicated to the Nuclear Division since 1976, Superintendent of Nuclear Services, where he supervised the cost and scheduling of the Callaway Nuclear Power Plant. Known for his work ethic, motivating influence, enthusiasm, and teamwork, Ted was instrumental in bringing Missouri’s only nuclear power plant on-line, making a vision reality. A Professional Engineer, he was a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, Missouri State Professional Engineering Society, and a life member of IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Passionate about music, Theodore brought his talents as a tenor to the Midwest Opera Association, Choral Group of the Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony’s Operetta Guild, and sang in the St. Martin of Tours choir for many years. He enjoyed getting together with his Opera friends from Germany and the United States and maintained Muny Opera season tickets until his death. Ted loved not only the arts but also the outdoors, sharing his skills at hunting and fishing particularly with his children and grandchildren. Planting hundreds of trees over the years as part of the Arbor Day Foundation initiatives, Ted was a devoted conservationist, apiarist, and orchard grower. He and Judy enjoyed giving away jelly, jams, and honey that they had produced to friends and family. His many grandchildren were impressed by the dedication he and Judy had to recycling and taking care of the environment. He loved traveling beginning with his broad excursions to 6 continents during Military service and then with family for leisure or visiting friends in Germany, Paris, Bermuda, and Naples Florida.

Known for his service to the community, he organized and ran a successful blood drive for the American Red Cross annually every May for almost fifty years personally donating gallons of blood. Compassionately dedicated to his church, he served for decades as an usher, extraordinary Minister, chaired many events, and held multiple offices over the years as a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus and St. Vincent De Paul Society member providing material assistance to those in need. In 2000, he received the Lifetime Service Award from his parish, St. Martin of Tours. He was a man of deep faith, a beloved family patriarch, and the treasured friend of many.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 610 Ripa Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63125, followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Honoring his military service, a private graveside ceremony and interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Theodore Esswein’s name to either Saint Martin of Tours’ Saint Vincent De Paul Society or the Knights of Columbus.

Condolences may be offered at www.hoffmeistersouthcounty.com