Barry L. Essenpreis, age 73 of Pocahontas, IL, died Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at his residence in Pocahontas, IL.
He was born on Wednesday, September 9, 1942, in Highland, IL, the son of Leto H. “Pete” and Thelma R. (nee Mack) Essenpreis.
On Friday, January 15, 1965, he married Shirley A. Essenpreis (nee Balla) who survives.
He was a member of Grantfork United Church of Christ; Gordon Lodge #473 AF&AM- Pocahontas, IL (Past Master – several times); Bond County Antique Machine Club. He was a former member of Local 688 IA of M.
Barry was born at Highland; grew up on the family farm northeast of Grantfork. He was a graduate of Highland High School 1960. He attended Rankin Trade School; O’Fallon Tech School in St. Louis. He worked as a Tool & Die Maker for Universal Match, ITT Blackburn and then McDonnell-Douglas until 1992. He started driving over-the-road semi’s for Highland Ready Mix; Riechmann Trucking; 5-Star; and A & R Transport. He retired from driving in early 2000’s. In addition to working, he and his wife operated a grain and livestock farm. He raised Fainting goats, Alpaca, miniature horses and miniature donkeys were part of his menagerie. Working was his hobby. Always a “jokester”; never met a stranger. He enjoyed playing pinochle, listening to music and dancing. He collected antique farm machinery.
Survivors include:
Wife – Shirley A. Essenpreis nee Balla, Pocahontas, IL
Son – Michael R. (Mary) Essenpreis, Sorento, IL
Daughter – Deborah L. “Debbie” (Brady) Kesner, Highland, IL
Son – Thomas R. (Rebecca) Essenpreis, Hawthorne, CA
Grandchild – James M. Essenpreis, Sorento, IL
Grandchild – Shannon M. (Drew) Smith, Pearl City, HI
Grandchild – Sydney A. Kesner, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Taylor R. Kesner, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Sagan S. Essenpreis, Hawthorne, CA
Sister – Betty A. (William) Hemann (twin to Barry), Edmond, OK
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Leto H. “Pete” Essenpreis (Died 6/16/1997)
Mother – Thelma R. Essenpreis, nee Mack (Died 04/19/2012)
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 11, 2015, and from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. Tim A. Darmour-Paul, officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grantfork United Church of Christ; Shriners Hospital for Children.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
1501 Ninth at Lemon Street
Highland, IL 62249
618-654-2133
