Dennis Raymond Bessette

Dennis R. Bessette, age 85 of Clintonville, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Aster Assisted Living, Clintonville.

Dennis Raymond Bessette was born January 17, 1935 in Elderon, WI, son to the late Melvin & Goldie (Bricco) Bessette. He was raised in Wittenberg, WI and was a 1953 graduate of Wittenberg High School. Dennis was united in marriage to Joan Simonson on July 18, 1953 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood, WI. He attended Stevens Point University from 1956 – 1960, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree. Dennis moved to Clintonville, WI where he taught English and History at Clintonville Senior High School from 1960 – 1996. He received the Clintonville High School Merit Teacher of the Year award on two occasions; he also received the Lawrence University Teacher of the Year in 1990. He served as the head of Project Bright for exceptional students, and also led the debate and drama clubs. After a brief retirement in 1996, Dennis also became the Principal of St. Rose Catholic Grade School from 1997 – 2000, later retiring for good.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan; and his three children: Dr. Mark (Rasia) Bessette, Tucson, AZ; Dr. Peter (Cari) Bessette, Naples, FL; Denise Benson, Clintonville
Grandchildren: Nicolas Bessette, Zina Bessette, & Eva Bessette
Sister: Lorraine Borchardt, Waukesha
Brother: Dale (Joyce) Bessette, Milwaukee

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Harold Bessette, Joyce Schaar, Sharon Hegewald, & Ronald Bessette.

A private memorial mass will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville, with the Fr. Timothy Shillcox O. Praem officiating. 

A public visitation will be held from 12 – 2 PM Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Inurnment will take place following the visitation at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Clintonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dennis’ name are preferred to be directed to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.