WHITTEMORE -- Funeral Mass for Maurice Besch was celebrated on Friday, Feb. 26, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore with Father Edward Girres presiding. Burial was in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.
Maurice Leroy Besch was born Sept.19, 1940, in Whittemore, the son of William and Isabel (Elbert) Besch. He grew up on a farm East of Whittemore and attended Presentation Academy, graduating in 1958. After his schooling he began working as a hired man for different farmers in the area.
Maurice enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961 and served until the summer of 1963. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Whittemore.
On Sept.4, 1965, Maurice was united in marriage to Donna Mae Miller at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corwith. After their marriage they lived and farmed near Whittemore, before later moving to the family farm near Cylinder. Maurice continued farming until this last year.
Maurice enjoyed working and being on the farm, fishing and playing cards. He was an active member of the St. Michael’s Parish and Holy Name and was a past member of Cylinder Elevator Board.
Maurice died Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, at the Algona Manor Care Center in Algona. He was 80.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Mae of Algona; children, LuAnn Volkmer and fiancé, Nick Woolley of Johnston; Melissa and Dave Schlader of Prairie Village, KS; Larry and Nancy Besch of Whittemore; Linda and Rick Morris of Greenwood Village, CO; eight grandchildren: Kayla (Braiddey) Ruzicka, Samuel Volkmer; Nicholas and Isabel Schlader; Logan and Megan Besch; Zachary and Brayden Morris. Also surviving are siblings; Clem Besch of Kasson, MN; Cletus Besch of St. Louis, MO; Anita Lallier of Algona; Bill (Carol) Besch of St. Louis, MO and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Lynette Besch; sisters-in-law, Janet Besch and Marjorie Besch; brother-in-law, Arnie Lallier.
Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Whittemore.
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