Date of death: 9/2/2026
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1974
Father Herbert G. Essig, retired pastor at St. Francis of Assisi, Bolingbrook, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the age of 80.
Father Herb was born July 28, 1946, at Oak Park Hospital, Oak Park, IL, to Herbert J. Essig and Arllowa L. Essig. The oldest in a family of five siblings, he is survived by brother Bob (Terry), sisters Carol Schiewitz (Patt), Barbara Esposito (Jeff) and Mary Koski (Jeff) as well as twelve nieces and nephews and twenty-five great-nieces and nephews.
Growing up he started his Catholic education at Sacred Heart Church in Melrose Park, IL. In 1956 the family moved to Lombard, IL, where he attended and graduated from St. Pius X in 1960. He went on to St. Francis High School in Wheaton, IL, graduating in 1964. He entered the seminary for the Diocese of Joliet and attended St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Niles, IL, for two years and then completed his undergraduate at Lewis University while residing at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Romeoville, IL. His Theology studies were completed at Saint Meinrad in southern Indiana, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1974.
His service to the Lord began as a deacon and priest at St. Petronille, Glen Ellyn, IL, where he was ordained on November 23, 1974, by Bishop Raymond Vonesch.
Following ordination, he was associate at St. Walters, Roselle, IL (1976-1982); St. James Parish, Glen Ellyn, IL (1982-1986); St. Francis of Assisi, Bolingbrook, IL (1986-1992). As pastor he served at St. Peter’s in Clifton, IL, (1992-1996); St. Pius X, Lombard, IL (1996-2008) and St. Francis of Assisi, Bolingbrook, IL, from 2008 until his retirement in 2025.
He was active in Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, Serra Club, and Knights of Columbus. He was known for the love of his immediate family and his parish families as well. In his free time, he surrounded himself with a group of longtime friends where board games, a favorite pastime, would become very competitive. He liked to tell jokes, some good and some not so good and always infused them into his sermons. He loved to travel. His trips included Russia, China, Europe and El Salvador to name a few. Reading was a big part of his life, as exhibited by his extensive book collection. The Beatitudes were his favorite scriptures.
Daily Mass and prayer devotions were always an important part of his day. To him, his calling to the Priesthood felt like an honor. To serve people through the Sacraments was his gift to all.