CROSS PLAINS, Wis. — Not many people would work a full-time job at 83 years old, but a one-of-a-kind custodian said retirement isn’t on his radar.
For 58 years, Rodney Esser, or “Mr. Peanuts,” as his family and the community call him, has left his legacy on Park Elementary School in Cross Plains.
The old family nickname, “Peanuts,” came about because he was a small baby.
“But it kind of stuck around,” Esser said.
It’s similar to how he stuck around at a job that he said he was destined to take.
The former Standard Oil and John Deere tractor expert took the posting because his farming family sold the land the school was built on to the school district in the 60s. He said he “came with the land,” so it was only natural he became the school’s custodian.
“I do a lot of maintenance and repairs myself. I don’t have to have somebody come out and do it for me,” Esser said.
He said the behind-the-scenes building maintenance and long hours don’t bother him.
The stewardship he shows to the school is a joy for both the elementary students and educators to watch.
“His legacy is kindness and friendship. No matter who he touches, who he comes across, it’s always love kindness and friendship and working from the heart,” kindergarten teacher Lisa Breunig said.
Park Elementary School Principal Brent Humphrey said he and Esser instantly clicked.
“And the kind acts that Mr. Peanuts does on a regular basis and the wisdom that he gives either me or the students or, or whoever he’s involved with in the moment — that’s the, that’s the thing that makes the world, what makes a community unique and strong,” Humphrey said.
As a self-proclaimed farm boy growing up in Eau Claire, Humphrey said the two can talk tractors and joke around. Esser said it can be a lot of fun to go by some code names when the kids aren’t around.
“He [Mr. Humphrey] calls me his boss and I call him my hired hand,” Esser said.
The “Mr. Peanuts” man said he has no plans to retire and only wants to help students thrive. He helps them take turns steering his “Zamboni” floor cleaner and making sure they all feel safe, loved, respected and welcomed on a daily basis.
“It’s such a joy being with the kids. I like to give back to them,” Esser said.