Obituary of Randall Ray Essing

Randy Essing of Iowa City, age 68, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon. A Masonic service followed by an Eastern Star service will be held on Sunday, November 6 at 4 pm at the Iowa City Masonic Temple (312 East College Street, Iowa City. Parking is available at nearby parking ramps at no charge on Sundays). Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2-4 pm. Randy was born March 27 to Darwin and Patricia (Svejda) Essing of Pomeroy, IA. Darwin passed away in 1960, losing his battle with Hodgkin’s disease. In 1962, his mother married Donald Ehler and moved to the Ehler family farm near Early. Randy was already a big brother to Jeff Essing, and over the next few years he found himself babysitting for Keith, Tim and Stacey Ehler. Randy graduated from Crestland Community High School, attended Buena Vista College, and in 1976, he married Danelle Scott, his high school sweetheart. Having graduated from The University of Iowa with a BA in History and an MA in Library and Information Science, Randy accepted a position in the reference and interlibrary loan departments at The University of Iowa Main Library in September 1986 and was there until his retirement. A big sports fan, Randy enjoyed golfing when his health permitted. His remote control was stuck on ESPN and he followed baseball, basketball and football—particularly supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes. Collecting books was also his passion, beginning with Sherlock Holmes-related stories. He loved being a member of the “Younger Stamfords”, a local Sherlock Holmes club. He was a first-rate self-proclaimed procrastinator in all things, saying he didn’t want to make any rash decisions. Randy was a Past Master of Iowa City Masonic Lodge #4 and Past Patron of Jessamine Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Grand Patron of the State of Iowa from 2004-2005. He appreciated the fellowship, support and life-long friendships he found through his Masonic and Eastern Star work. Randy's family include his wife, Danelle, and his mother, Patricia Ehler of Early; his brothers Jeff (LuAnn) Essing of Spencer, IA; Keith Ehler, Early, IA; Tim (Jalonna) Ehler, Early, IA; and sister Stacey (Mike) Kennedy of Wheat Ridge, CO; brother-in-law Dale (Angie Kroll) Scott of Sergeant Bluff, IA; sister-in-law Diane (Randy) Bandow of Cumming, Georgia; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members and friends. Preceding him in death, along with his father Darwin, step-father Don and parents-in-law Frank and Ruth Ann Scott, were two nieces, Jennifer and Kelly Bandow; and several well-loved aunts and uncles. Randy’s family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hallmark Care Center for the kind and compassionate care given to Randy in his time there; also to Dr. Richard Larew and the wonderful staff of Larew Internal Medicine for their excellent care of Randy over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa City Masonic Foundation, 312 E College St #300, Iowa City, IA 52240 or to the Eastern Star Foundation of Iowa, P.O. Box 231, Columbus Junction, IA 52738, Iowa Public Radio or Iowa Public Television.