Clinton Clyde Essig, 93, of Wishek, ND, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Wishek Living Center, Wishek. Clinton lived a life defined by an unwavering work ethic and a genuine love for his family. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2026, at Feist Funeral Home, Wishek. Burial will take place at Lehr Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Feist Funeral Home, Wishek.

Clinton, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, was born on July 19, 1932, on the family farm in Logan County, ND to Walter and Ida (Widmer) Essig. He was one of five children and was raised on the family farm northeast of Lehr. He served in the United States Army from June 8, 1954, to May 26, 1956. Clinton was united in marriage to Shirley Schnabel in Lehr, ND on September 29, 1957. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, and family. Clinton and Shirley settled on the same farm where he was raised. In 2003, they moved into Wishek, where Clinton worked part time for Titan Machinery and in 2022, he moved into the Wishek Living Center.

Clinton was the father of four children, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Although not one to express himself, he was very proud of all his children. Throughout his life, Clinton was known as an exceptionally hard worker and worked to instill that same behavior in his children. His farm was his pride and joy where he would tinker around well into his late 80's. During his life, he raised Black Angus cattle that could survive the North Dakota winters and was also a small grain farmer. Clinton enjoyed playing cards, he appreciated a good game of pinochle. He was guided by his faith and served on the board at Grace Lutheran Church in Lehr and also served on the Lehr Public School Board.

Clinton is survived by his wife, Shirley Essig, Wishek; four children, Carmen (Cindy) Essig, Lehr; Crystal (Jim) Sayler, Pollock, SD; Candace (Arthur) Punton, Ayr; and Corey (Patricia) Essig, Gwinner; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Marlene (Ora) Brintall, Alexandra, MN; sister-in-law, Adeline Essig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roland; his sisters, Florence and Ella; and his great-granddaughter, Lyla Grace Essig, daughter of Russel and Michelle Essig.

Though deeply missed, his family takes comfort knowing he is no longer suffering and has been reunited with his parents, brother and sisters, where their love continues beyond this life. Dad, thank you for all you gave us. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.