Janet Esser

MADISON- Janet Evangeline Esser, 83, passed away June 1 at her home in Madison after a long history of cancer. Born November 1, 1931 to parents Theodore Peter Esser and Clara E. Ahlers-Esser.

She started piano young, continued playing throughout her young adult years, and studied with French composer, conductor, and teacher, Nadia Boulanger. In 1954 she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Edgewood College. In the early '60s she taught elementary school in Tangier, Morocco as a Smith-Mundt international exchange educator with the U.S. Department of State. She returned to complete a Master of Science in Teaching in 1968 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. A life-long learner, she took strong interest in the history of the Holy Lands, and continuing study in French language.

Janet was a fixture in the local music community as a music educator, teaching piano privately. Her teaching practice included beginner students, as well as participants in piano concerto competitions. She tested her students at Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs' Federation Festival competitions and Wisconsin Music Teacher Association Auditions. Janet worked for the Madison School district as a substitute teacher, as well as judging at WSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest. She continued teaching privately in her 80s until her illness made her unable to stand.

She is survived by her sisters, Alice (Stan) Dresen, and Beatrice (Richard) Wencel, as well as nephews and nieces Pam (Rick) Koehler, Mike (Betts) Dresen, Nancy (Dan) Loey, Steve Dresen, Kathi (Edward Lee) Caraway, Sally Wencel (John Turgeson), Amy Wencel and Elizabeth (Jaime) Ruiz.

Janet enjoyed folk dancing, wine making, gardening, traveling, and attending daily mass. She was an independent woman who marched to the beat of her own drum.

As a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic church, Janet lived a devout faith-filled life, sharing much of her resources with Catholic charity organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2121 Rowley Ave, Madison on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434