She was born on Aug. 17, 1936 in Gary, Ind. to James and Dorothy (nee Schumacher) Brophey. Helen and her family moved to Hartford in 1951. She married Richard Esser on May 28, 1955 in Hartford and they made their home there until 1999, when they moved to Winneconne. Helen worked at the Hartford Times Press for 34 years until retiring in 1999. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Winneconne. Helen was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Helen is survived by her husband, Richard Esser, of Winneconne; two children, Jill Marie (David) Karn of Winneconne and Jay Albert (Lisa) Esser of Rubicon; her mother, Dorothy Brophey of Omro; three grandchildren, Aaron Karn of Oshkosh, and Sarah and Stephanie Esser of Rubicon; and many special friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her father; and one grandson, Adam Karn.

Cremation took place and a memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Winneconne, with Rev. Leroy Smet officiating. Family and friends called at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the hour of services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Helen’s name for the U.W. - Madison Cancer Center.

The Mueller Funeral Home of Winneconne is serving the family.