NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Geneva A. Essner, 78, of New Hamburg passed away Friday, May 1, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 15, 1937, to the late August and Minnie Menz Seyer in Cape Girardeau. Geneva married Paul W. Essner on April 19, 1958, and he survives.

She worked at Saint Francis Medical Center in the cleaning-supply department until she retired.

She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and St. Ann Sodality. Geneva also was a KC-ette from Oran Council No. 4311, a 4-H leader, Sunday-school teacher, perpetual adoration of St. Francis Chapel and Cursillo Movement.

Survivors include her husband; five sons, Gerard (Carolyn) Essner of New Hamburg, Ronnie (Laura) Essner of Benton, Missouri, Curtis (Cheryl) Essner of Benton, Jeffery (Gina) Essner of Benton and Jamie (Emily) Essner of Commerce, Missouri; three daughters, Theresa Essner of New Hamburg, Shelia (Ricky) Harper of New Hamburg and Melissa (Justin) Sullivan of Chaffee, Missouri; two brothers, Marvin (Karen) Seyer and Don (Becky) Seyer, both of New Hamburg; and one sister, Marie Elfrink of Chaffee. She had 19 grandchildren, Ashely (Kerry Wayne Laster) Essner, Zachary (Jacklyn Ruopp) Essner, Abby Essner, Ryan Essner, Lance Essner, Ross Essner, Seth Essner, Matthew Harper, Whitney Harper, Christian Essner, Camden Essner, Carson Essner, Ashley Sullivan, Austin Sullivan, Nathanael Sullivan, Nicholas Sullivan, Jenna Essner, Gwendolyn Essner and Bennett Essner; and two great-stepgrandchildren, Braelyn Sullivan and Cayden Warren.

She also was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, David and James Seyer; and one granddaughter, Kelsi Essner.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. Monday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. Parish rosary will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the church, followed by the Knights of Columbus prayers.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel and the Rev. Normand Varone as celebrants. Burial will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of the arrangements.