Elmer W. Essen, 95, of Nashwauk, MN passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at his home.

Elmer William was born September 9, 1930, in Jacobson, MN to William and Mae (Lundin) Essen. Elmer grew up in Ball Bluff Township in Aitkin County and attended Ball Bluff country school.

On January 30, 1954, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Gist at her father's home in Grand Rapids, MN. Elmer and Shirley lived in Jacobson before moving to Pengilly, MN in 1960. Elmer worked in various mines throughout the Iron Range and retired from National Steel after a 42-year career. Elmer enjoyed woodworking, small farming, hunting, and peeling pulp with his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley on May 4, 2000; daughter Lorrie Bryan; son-in-law Ken Schmidtbauer; brothers Albert, Robert, and James; sisters Elizabeth Juell, and Dorothy Suikola; brothers-in-law Charles Juell, and Denis Suikola; sisters-in-law Sandy Essen, and Barbara Essen.

Elmer is survived by his daughters Pamala (Ed) Adams of McAllen, TX, Rita Schmidtbauer of Chisholm, MN, Dona Colwell of Chisholm, MN, Susan Essen of Hibbing, MN; son Thomas (Leonia) Essen of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren Clint, Lisa, Andrea, Anthony, Ryan, and Lindzee; great grandchildren Makenzie, Stephen, Mazie, Quin, Blake, Breena, Aiden, Keira, Randal, Kenna, and Shravani; great-great grandchildren Guinevere, Emmit, Delilah, and one on the way; sister-in-law Dorothy Essen.

A Celebration of Life Gathering to Remember Elmer will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. Interment will follow at Ball Bluff Cemetery, Ball Bluff Township, Aitkin County, MN.