Bernie Esser

Bernard “Bernie” Esser, age 79, of Yankton, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 surrounded by two of his daughters, Cheryl and Kim, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Bernie always said he never wanted a funeral, just a party. Please join the family in celebrating Bernie’s life on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the VFW in Yankton. Burial with military honors will be at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Bernie was born November 27, 1945 in Yankton, South Dakota to Henry and Myrtle (Avenell) Esser. Great admiration is given to Myrtle for raising Bernie as a single mom after Hank passed away when Bernie was 15 years old. Bernie loved to play baseball every day which led him to playing in the little league world series in 1960 in Hershey, PA. Bernie was later inducted into the Yankton Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. After high school, Bernie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War for four years and was honorably discharged in January of 1969. After his time in the service, Bernie married Pam Kline and had three daughters: Cheryl, Kim and Michelle. He was a manager at Hiland Potato Chip Company until moving to Sioux City, IA to work for Chesterman Bottle Company. Moving back to Yankton, Bernie sold insurance until he owned and operated Yankton’s favorite, Weekends with Bernie, where many great stories live on. Bernie loved to tell great stories and banter with his friends and grandsons over any of his favorite sports teams including the Oklahoma Sooners and St. Louis Cardinals. Bernie was known by many for playing in countless Pool leagues and tournaments, spending a great deal of time with the Mount Marty Baseball team and bartending. Bernie created friendships of all ages. He enjoyed spending his Sundays at Gary Kozak’s patio sharing all of his Bernie-isms and knowledge. Bernie always had a smirk that let you know he got the best of you. His special wave was known by many around town.

Bernie is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Koch (Mike Hacecky), Kim (Bryan) Highland and Michelle (Dave) Schieffer; seven grandchildren; Josh (Brittni) Koch, Tyler (Lizzy) Highland, Skye Strike, Megan (Sam Hovde), Alex (Bethany) Esser, Kayli (Cole) Hardin, Cole Schieffer; and three great grandchildren: Sawyer Koch, Eden Strike and Everleigh Esser.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.