Aurellia M. Besch

Aurellia Marie Besch, 98, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016 surrounded by her family at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, IA where she has been a resident since 2008. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Whittemore, IA, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Scripture Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 13, 2016, at 10:30 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Whittemore, IA. Burial will follow at St. Michaels Cemetery, Whittemore, IA. Aurellia, daughter of Genevieve "Jane" (Elbert) and Conrad Alig, was born on September 25, 1917, in Washington, Illinois. When she was 7, she moved to Whittemore. She attended Presentation Academy in Whittemore and graduated in 1935. She attended Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA for one year. She worked at Geelan's Store from 1936-1945. She married George Peter Besch from West Bend, IA on January 15, 1945, at St. Michael's Church in Whittemore. They lived in Buffalo Center for 4 years before returning to Whittemore. She worked at Elbert's Hardware for 27 years, retiring at 70. Aurellia was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She w...[more]

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involved in the Catholic Daughters of America, the Rosary Society and Renew program at St. Michael's and attended daily Mass. She enjoyed playing cards and belonged to the Jolly 500 and Grandmother's Clubs. She loved to play bingo and delighted everyone with her wit and humor. Survivors include, children: Sister Carol Besch of Dubuque, IA, Judy (Mike ) Curran of Elk Point, SD, Ron(Barb) Besch, Bellevue, IA, Jean Richter, Sioux City, IA; grandchildren, Kevin Curran, Charlie Curran, J. P. (Kathleen) Curran, Tim (Heather) Curran, Joe (Hillary) Curran, Kate Besch, R. J. (Heather) Besch, Betsy (Jeremy) Laisure, Jason (Tina) Richter, Bob (Natalia) Richter, and John Richter, 12 great grandchildren and one due in July; sisters Donna Schwab, Bettendorf, IA, and Mary Conrad, Lake City, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, George and daughter, Mary Jane Besch, her parents, siblings and in-laws, Carmella (Roy) Graham, Irene Alig, Genevieve (Joe) Lee, Freda Mae(Don) Weidman, Mayme Ann (Bob) Reinarts, Emelene (Merwyn) John, Leland (Doris) Alig, Susan Alig and brothers-in-law Don Conrad, Merle Herbers, Dick Schwab, and Lyle Ramnes.