Donald Joseph Bessette

Donald J. Bessette, age 75, of 35 Wilson Street, Clintonville, passed away Monday, July 10, 2006,surrounded by his children, following complications of surgery at Appleton Medical Center.
Donald Joseph Bessette was born January 25, 1931 in the Town of Deer Creek, Outagamie County, and was the son of the late Peter and Iva (Jarvais) Bessette. As a young man, Don enjoyed his early years working on a ranch in Montana. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, from 1950 -1953, and was united in marriage to Lillian A. Hoffmann at McCord Air Force base, Tacoma, WA, on June 25, 1952. The couple moved to the Milwaukee area in 1966 and lived in Sussex and Pewaukee. Don was employed by the Kearney & Trecker Corporation, West Allis for 37 years, as a pipe fitter. Retiring in 1992, the couple moved to Clintonville, where they were members of St. Rose Church, Clintonville. Don's interests included hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons, and brothers. He also enjoyed gardening and tinkering with various machinery with his brother, Lee.
Survivors include a son, Alan of Antigo, a son, Curtis (Carlene) Bessette, Hortonville, a daughter, Jeanne (Ron) Weiskotten, Colgate, a daughter, Cheryl (Will) Anderson, Montello, a daughter, Joy (Kurt) Brauchle, Shelby, MT, and a daughter, Donna (Brian) Dana, Rhinelander. There are 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. There are 2 brothers, Lee (Pat) Bessette, New London, and Bob (Mary) Bessette, Bear Creek, and 2 sisters, Florence (Leroy) Hammel, Seymour, and Pat (Roger) Tuscher, of California. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian, and 3 sisters, Theresa, Marie, and Phyllis.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 14, 2006 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Bear Creek. Fr. C. Terrence LaCombe will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary Parish Cemetery, Bear Creek. Friends may call Thursday, July 13th from 5 to 8 P.M. at the BeiL-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville and at the church Friday, from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.
There will be a 7:30 P.M. Parish Wake Service at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Appleton Medical Center, for their compassionate care!