Centennial birthday plus one for Sheridan native
By ALLAN TINKER
Walter Essig, a 1907 Halloween baby, will enjoy his centennial Christmas plus one this year. He noted that his parents didn’t tell him right away that he was born on Halloween, a novel time to celebrate birthdays as a youngster, what with all the free candy and other treats that mark that event each year. Essig, who retains a bright mind and lively sense of humor, lives with his daughter Margaret Pretzer in his home in Bismarck. He and his wife Alice (Reidinger), who died in 1997, had four children. Besides Pretzer, there is Kay (Richard) Bennett, the oldest; Jim (Judy), and Bob (Rita). There are three great-great-grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and 13 grandchildren, according to Pretzer. Essig was one of five male children born to Christian and Minnie (Siegele) Essig. His younger brother by seven years, Hugo, still resides in McClusky with his wife, Frances. His other siblings are brothers Edgar E., Edwin, and Otto P. Essig’s current goal is to "get another year older," he said with a smile. He recalled his early days of helping on the farm for his parents, helping with dishes as well as outside chores. He walked to school and "found my way back home" the one mile distance. He met his wife-to-be in McClusky.
