"I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Dennis. As a former Whittemore resident, I well remember him and his family. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss "
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 6, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona. There will also be visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church on Wednesday.
Dennis James Besch, 69, of Algona was born February 5, 1948 to Michael and Pearl (Higley) Besch in Whittemore, Iowa. He attended school at St. Michaels Academy in Whittemore later graduating from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1966.
On August 7, 1970, Dennis married Judy Wolter and together they had four wonderful children; Julie, Jenifer, Douglas, and Daniel.
Dennis began his financial career after graduating from Mankato State University. Many lasting friendships were made along his financial journey through various towns including; Mankato, Rochester, East Grand Forks, and St. Cloud, Minnesota. Also Dubuque, the Quad Cities, Algona and Manson, Iowa. After retirement Dennis and Judy returned to Algona where he drove the city Taxi.
Dennis enjoyed golfing, playing cards, camping, watching sports, he was an avid Viking fan. He was instrumental in the Cub Scouting program when Dan and Doug were young.
Dennis was a member of St. Cecelia's Catholic church. Throughout his life he was honored to serve in various parishes as Eucharistic Minister, lector, church councils, music director/choir, usher. His faith was extremely important. He helped implement KC council and was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus including Faithful Navigator of the Fort Dodge Council. Dennis faithfully attended the Jesuit Retreat every spring. This was a battery charge and he so looked forward to that special time with God.
Dennis has also been involved in Jaycees, Lion Club, various chambers, Iowa Bankers Corp. and until January served on the Board of Directors for the Manson State Bank.
Dennis died peacefully Saturday, February 3, 2018, morning, at home just shy of his 70th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Judy of Algona; Children: Julie (Shon) Bruellman of Granger, Iowa; Jenifer (Greg) Howerton of Nampa, Idaho; Douglas (Sarah) Besch of Overland Park, Kansas; Daniel (Danae) Besch of Riverside, Iowa; Grandchildren: Andrew (Kait) Bruellman, Tanner (Mary) Bruellman, Anthony (Samantha) Bruellman; Kaitlyn and Alex Howerton; Julia, Luke, Elyse and Garrett Besch; Brinksten and Briella Besch; Great-grandchildren, Grace Bruellman and another one due in July. He also had a furry friend, Gizmo.
Also surviving is his sister, Lois Grandgenett, sisters-in-law, Rosemary Besch, Betty (Jim) Slothower. Brothers-in-law, Ernie (Lynn) Wolter, Steve Wolter, Bruce (Teresa) Wolter, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Pearl Besch, brother, Jerome, brother-in-law, Don Grandgenett and parents-in-law, Harold and Ruby Wolter.
Dennis was diagnosed with cancer in June 2015. Although this was difficult news to digest in the horizontal, it ultimately drove Dennis to a deeper understanding of who God is. He committed his life to Christ and committed to suffering well for the sake of the Gospel. This caused Dennis to have a hope of the inheritance stored up for him in HEAVEN.
"I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Dennis. As a former Whittemore resident, I well remember him and his family. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss "
"We are wanting to send Our Love & Prayers, We have a lot of wonderful memories with the Besch Family, Volley Ball games at the city park on sunday afternoon. Lots hands of cards and Lots of laughs were had by all. We have so many Great Memories with you all. Thanks for always being great friends. Love you All. Love Merlyn & Terry Stensrude &. Family"
"Glen and Marge send you sympathy and prayers for healing after your loss of Dennis! We so enjoyed our time with all of them in East Grand Forks! Dennis always had a smile on his face and humor in his heart. When Jenny went out with Eric one night, Dennis wrapped his arm around Eric's shoulder and asked him if he could be trusted with his daughter! We all laughed as they went out the door!! We were so fortunate to have them counted as great friends!! We will miss Dennis and Judy and the family will always be in our thoughts and prayers! Marge and Glen Trembath"
"What a surprise to hear about Dennis' death. It was a blessing to have time to share with him at our class reunion. I did not know of his cancer. It sounds like his last days were ones of good preparation for the next life. His life is one of goodness and generosity. He is leaving a wonderful legacy for the family. He will be in my prayers. Sister Carol Besch "
"Judy, Julie, Jen, Doug; Dan and families - Our sincerest sympathy! Dennis will forever be remembered in our hearts as awesome friend - kind, happy, thoughtful and fun-loving. Even though we have many miles between us now, We have so many great memories when we shared our fun as couples and families in our younger days! Dennis will be missed! I loved to hear him laugh! May You find comfort and peace knowing he is watching over you all from Heaven! ?? Steve & Dee Jenson"
"Our sympathy to all of you... Denny was one of the best men we ever knew. Jay Elbert and Sons "
"We were privileged to know Dennis , a true gentleman and worthy of the title of Sir Knight in the 4th degree. our prayers are with Judy and family. Our deepest sympathy. Carol and Jerry Wells"
"Judy and family I am so sorry to learn of Denny's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Joyce Petersen"
"Dan sorry for your lost"
"Prayers to Judy and Family!"
"Judy and family.....you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Denny was always so nice ...no one was ever a stranger. Mary and Glen Thilges"
"Sending our deepest sympathy. We will always remember Dennis as thoughtful, kind and so generous with his time. We have good memories of him and his leadership with the Scouting program. Matt and Phyllis Even"
"Judy and family, Denny was such a nice man, I'm sure you have so many wonderful memories. Prayers to you and your family! Dave & Betty Shillington"
"Judy and family, so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a very nice guy and always had a smile. You're iin our thoughts and prayers! Howie and Marlene Raney"
"Judy and family, Tom and I were so sorry to hear this news. I have such great memories of growing up across the street from the Besch's in Whittemore......what great family! We feel very blessed to have been able to call Denny a friend. We will be keeping Denny and all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and Linda Froehlich"
"Godspeed Mr. Bsch"
"My sympathy to Judy and family!! Denny was an awesome co-worker and my best home loan officer!!"
" Denny and I are so sorry to hear about Dennis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. God be with you."
"Judy & family, we were so sorry and sad to read of Denny's passing. He was always such a kind man who will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave & Sandi Markla"
"Judy and famiily, so very sorry to hear of Denny's passing. I remember such a friendly and kind man he was, when I would come to your DayCare to get Brandon. You and your family will be close in thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and sad time. "
"Judy and family. so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. He is now free of pain .Know you now have your own angel watching over you. prayers and hugs to all of you."
"Deepest sympathy to you Judy and family. Too young. God gained another Angel. We are in Arizona, but prayers are for you. Joyce and Denny Frideres "