Earl Wayne Esders

Earl Wayne Esders, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025, in Lampe, MO. His father came to America with his parents in 1914 from Rentringen, Germany at ten years of age. Earl was born on July 30, 1939, to Ernest and Floy (Schmidt) Esders.

Earl’s home was in Washington, Illinois. He graduated from Washington Community High School in 1957 and spent most of his life there. After high school he attended Eureka College, worked at Caterpillar and later ventured to Colorado where he spent several years enjoying the beauty of the mountains before returning home to be closer to family. He also loved following the high school football team and appreciated the community spirit.

His passion for the outdoors shaped much of his life - he enjoyed tent camping, golfing, gardening, and especially riding motorcycles. A proud member of the Peoria Motorcycle Club, Earl took numerous cross-country trips and documented his travels with his Nikon camera. His motorcycle collection included models from Harley-Davidson, BMW, Triumph, and Kawasaki. One of his favorite traditions was attending the annual Springfield Mile motorcycle races.

Earl was a reflective person. An avid reader, he preferred books over television, except for the occasional professional golf match or motorcycle race. His faith was an important part of his life; he was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria, read the entire Bible multiple times and studied many books on biblical teachings.

He is survived by a son, Ed Esders and wife Linda of Lampe, MO, and daughter, Michelle Hobbs and husband Kirby of Pittsfield, IL. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Alison Adamson and husband Robert of Tulsa, OK, Austin Esders and wife Briana of Verona, MO, Olivia Hobbs and Natalie Hobbs, both of Pittsfield, IL; two great-grandchildren; sister, Alma Sievers of Mechanicsburg, PA; and a niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ted Sievers; infant granddaughter; and cat, Sunflower.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 30, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to Oakwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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