Obituary: Lewis William "Bill" Besch

Lewis William "Bill" Besch, 81, of Aitkin, a U.S. Army veteran and Aitkin County dairy farmer, passed away Sept. 27, 2022, peacefully at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Dec. 6, 1940. He graduated from Cromwell High School in 1958. He worked at the Pacific Railroad from 1962 through 1966. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and computers. He was a member of the American Legion Post 86.

Bill was a pillar of strength, was compassionate, and showed immense bravery and faith to all he knew and loved.

He was preceded in death by his brother Martin, and parents Louis and Betty Besch.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Bunny, and his loving children Bruce (Susan), Brian (Cindy) and Brenda Besch. He will also live on in the memory of his cherished grandchildren Natalie (Brandon), Alida, Silas (Cassandra), Alexander, Payton and Ashlyn; treasured family Steve (Victoria) Keil, Jessica (Jeff, Callie, Paige) Skoglund, Justin (Kate, Addison, Brayden, Archer), and Jordan (Samantha, Connor, Emma) Keil; stepbrother Larry Neese, brother-in-law Peter Brown, sisters-in-law Ardell Besch and Lois Keil; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

A special thank-you to the caring and comforting staff of St. Cloud Hospital and the CRMC intensive care unit.

Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until the 2 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Fleming Methodist Church, 41729 Nature Ave., Aitkin, Minnesota.