Clement Joseph Besch, 92, passed away on December 8, 2023. He was born February 17, 1931 in Whittemore, IA to William and Isabel Besch.
Clem graduated from Presentation Academy in Whittemore, IA. He then served in the US Army in Italy during the Korean Conflict in the Signal Corps.
After returning from his military service, he met and married Marjorie Janning on February 23, 1957 at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Kasson, MN. They were married for 61 years. They raised their five children on their farm south of Kasson.
Clem farmed his entire life; from dairy to beef to crops. After the livestock were gone, he enjoyed traveling with his wife.
He is survived by his children Nancy West of Lewiston, MN, Susan (Charles) Rohwer of Dodge Center, MN, Kathy (Argene) Matthees of Rochester, MN, Tom (Karen) Besch of Kasson, MN and Joyce (Chad Brassil) Besch of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Lori, Brenda, Emily, Kyle, Benjamin, Oliver and Isla; and siblings Cletus Besch, Anita Lallier and William Besch, Jr.
Clem was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marjorie (2018), his brother Maurice Besch and his son-in-law Lee West.
The Funeral Mass for Clement will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at The Church of the Holy Family, 1904 North Mantorville Ave, Kasson, MN with Fr. John Lasuba officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30-11:00 am on Thursday.
Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Dodge County Food Shelf, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.