Connie L. Esslinger 90, of Springfield, died at 10:20 pm, Monday, February 10, 2025. She was born August 2, 1934, in Jacksonville, IL, to Walter Myron and Kathleen Vortman Long. She married James F. Esslinger on June 18, 1955, and he preceded her in death on January 3, 2013.

Also preceding her in death where her parents; one brother-in-law, John Esslinger and two sisters-in-law, Norma and Rosemarie Long.

She is survived by her daughter Susan (John) Kunz of Springfield; son, David (Leslie) Esslinger of Alto Pass, IL; two grandchildren Sarah (Patrick) Sullivan of Springfield and Jennifer (Brian) Graves of Springfield; three great grandchildren, Ava, Johnathon and Elliot Sullivan; two brothers Larry Long of Jacksonville and Jack Long of Sherman; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Esslinger of Springfield and MaryAnne (Tony) Ramos of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Connie was a member of St. Aloysius Church. She worked as a registered nurse for forty-two years at St. John’s Hospital and later worked for the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Services. After retirement, she volunteered as a Samaritan at St. John’s Hospital.

She was a member of St. Louis De Marillac and St. John’s School of Nursing Alumni. She was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Connie loved to laugh and enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She also enjoyed backing her traditional Christmas pound cakes and toffee and gifting them to family and friends.

Connie’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff at Heartland Hospice and Springfield Suites for their compassion, outstanding, and attentive service provided with grace.

Visitation: 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. John Vianney Church in Sherman.

Funeral Mass: 11:30 am, Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. John Vianney Church with Reverend Fredrick Chima Mbiere officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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