Allen K. Essman

Cumming, Iowa

Allen K. Essman, 63, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Kavanagh House after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer.

Al was a true family-man who loved traveling, watching sunsets, living in the moment, and working along-side Denise, his wife of 42 years. He enjoyed spending time with his three sons, Brad, Brady, and Barrett, on many exciting fishing trips and other adventures. In addition, Grandpa Al always looked forward to spending time with his three grandchildren, Katherine, Zack, and Eva. Al was an avid fisherman, gardener, woodworker and John Deere enthusiast.

Al was born in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. He received a B.S. in Psychology in 1969 and an M.S. in Journalism in 1972, both from Iowa State University.

Al was Chairman and Creative Director of Essman/Associates, a marketing/communications company he and his wife founded on March 17, 1977. He was also a founder of Table Rock Bait & Tackle, famous for Chompers lures for bass fishing. Prior to Essman/Associates, Al was an Account Executive/Creative Director at Wesley Day Advertising, an instructor of advertising and photography at ISU and was a direct response Copywriter for Meredith Corporation.

He was a member of Advertising Professionals of Des Moines for nearly 40 years and served as director at large. Al was a member of the American Marketing Association and chaired numerous publicity committees for various service organizations. He was President of Friends of the Public Library of Des Moines and was instrumental in the promotion of an AP award-winning public service radio program addressing ethical questions of interest to Iowans. Al was recipient of more than 55 awards over the past 40 years, and was included in the first edition of “Who’s Who in Advertising.”

Al is survived by his wife, Denise; three sons, Brad and Brady, both of West Des Moines and Barrett (Mary) of Rock Island, IL; three grandchildren, Katherine, Zack, and Eva; mother, Harriette Essman of West Des Moines; sister, Deanna Essman (Max Halverson) of Des Moines; and mother-in-law, Eleanor Bricker of Waukee. He was preceded in death by his father, John Essman, and his father-in-law, Harold Bricker.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM at McLaren’s Chapel on 19th & Ashworth Rd. A Memorial service will be held Thursday at 11AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6th & Keo in downtown Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or at www.pancan.org.