Tammy Jo Esse

Tammy Jo Esse, age 63, of Willmar, passed away Friday, December 23, at her home following a courageous fight against cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, at Calvary Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, January 9, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  There will be a handstand tribute at the end of the funeral service so those wanting to participate please dress appropriately.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Tammy Jo Esse was born on November 7, 1959, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, the daughter of Gerald and Marlene (Stender) Doheny.  She grew up in St. Louis Park and Excelsior and graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1978.  On May 16, 1980, Tammy was united in marriage to her soulmate, Rob Esse.  They made their home in St. Peter from 1980 to 1985 while Rob attended Gustavus College.  Later in 1985, they moved to Willmar and founded the Willmar Wings Gymnastics Club.  Tammy and Rob coached together for over 35 years.  Tammy also worked as a Fitness and Aerobics Instructor at the Kandi-Courts, YMCA and Willmar High School for many years.  Besides coaching and being a role model for her students, Tammy enjoyed camping, fishing, playing softball, traveling in the RV, attending concerts, boating and relaxing on Green Lake and watching sporting events.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 42 years, Rob; two children, Emily Esse (and fiancé, Eric Yantzer) of Fargo, ND., and Ryan (and Samantha) Esse of Redwood Falls; one soon-to-be grandchild; her mother, Marlene Doheny of Shorewood; and one sister, Tracy Doheny Erickson of Excelsior, besides other relatives and many beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her father.

“For all of those that loved Tammy, let her light and spirit shine through you. Never give up, stay tough, and keep smiling. Know that she loved you as much as you loved her.”