Thomas William Esser

Thomas William Esser of Los Osos, CA passed away on August 21. 2025. 

Tom was born in Mankato, Minnesota on December 10. 1948 to William George. and Anna Margaret (Hodson) Esser. He grew up in Bemidji and Springfield. MN and graduated from Springfield High School. Much of his free time was spent on his aunt and uncle’s farm near Mankato. He loved it there and always held dear the memories. Tom attended Mankato State University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry and Earth Science. Following college he enlisted in the Navy and served for three years. While in the Navy, he met and married his future wife Michele Elise Milne of Camarillo. 

Following his Navy service he spent several years teaching high school science and obtained a Masters degree from Humboldt State in Science Curriculum. He then began his nearly 34-year career with PG&E, working at Diablo Canyon. His first position was in training. During that time he earned a Masters degree from Boise State in Instructional Technology. Next, and until retirement, he worked as an Environmental Coordinator/Manager. 

Tom enjoyed nature and as a docent led hikes on the Pecha Coast Trail to the Port San Luis Lighthouse. He volunteered at the Morro Bay Natural History Museum and also for the Morro Coast Audubon Society at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. After retirement, Tom became a San Luis Obispo County Master Gardner and volunteered for the organization in many ways. Most importantly, he spent many hours serving his church and enjoying his family. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife. Michele; his daughters and sons-in-law Elizabeth (Eric) Ekdahl, Mary (Daniel) Cavaliere and Margaret (Michael) Smiley; grandchildren Elijah. Ellyse; and Everley Ekdahl; Samuel, William, and Grant Cavaliere; Aurora and Amelia Smiley; and his sister, Mary (David) Gross.