Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2022
Burnetta Besl Obituary
Burnetta M. Besl
LA CROSSE - Burnetta M. "Bernie" Besl, 95, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Riverside Transitional Care. She was born in Genoa, WI, to Frank and Margaret (Jambois) Ghelfi on Sept. 30, 1926.
Bernie attended elementary school at St. Charles Catholic Elementary School and graduated high school from Lansing High School in 1943. She moved to La Crosse immediately after graduating. She was employed at Moen Photo Shop, World War II Ordinance Shop, receptionist and PBX Operator at the La Crosse Rubber Mills. She loved to play softball and played on Trane Company Women's Team and later on the Heilman team.
Burnetta married Gerald J. Besl on July 16, 1949 and became a mother and homemaker. After her children were grown, she worked part time at Artistic Ceramics, Just for Fun Crafts in La Crosse, and Jan's Crafts in Onalaska.
She was a member of St. John's and St. Jame's the Less Catholic Churches all her married life.
Bernie was an avid softball player, golfer, bowler, and euchre player. She enjoyed watching sports, especially the Brewers, Badgers, Packers and Bucks. She was a gifted ceramic artist, making many beautiful pieces for her family. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting.
Bernie was a great wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
She is survived by five children: George (Lori) Besl, Paulette (Jim) Weber, Marianne Frost, Joseph (Julie) Besl, and Beth Foley; 11 grandchildren: Annie, Adam, Andy, Dustin, Katie, Kelly, Jared, Samuel, Jacob, Layne, and Tim; 15 great-grandchildren; brother Richard "Dick" (Nancy) Ghelfi, and many nieces and nephews.
Bernie was preceded in death by her husband Gerry and two grandchildren: Abby Frost and Jordan Besl.
A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. James the Less Catholic Church, with entombment to take place in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows, and Riverside Transitional Care, for the wonderful care given to Bernie.
Memorials are preferred to the Willows Assisted Living, Riverside Transitional Care, and the Boys and Girls Club Guitar and Music Program.
Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com
Memories and Condolences
for Burnetta Besl
Mary Burbach
June 8, 2022
Marianne and family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. Your mom was a very sweet and loving person. Your parents were always so friendly and caring. They loved people and cared about them.
Nancy Schreier
May 21, 2022
My condolences to Bernie´s family. I bartended at Nob Hill and Gerry and Bernie were two of the very best people any one could be proud to call friends. Our paths crossed many times throughout the years and I was always greeted with a big smile and hugs. Gerry will be one happy man and Bernie will be a very happy wife. God bless
Faye Goldsmith & Don Dionne
May 19, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her and Gerry when we saw them out. The cutest, fun and loving couple. May all your wonderful memories help you get thru this difficult time. Take care.
Rudy and Sally Wuest
May 18, 2022
What a wonderful person. Bernie and Gerry were always good to me as I grew up and true Northside people. Our condolences to all the family. God Bless.
How you can show support
Mary Jo and Dave Stokes
May 17, 2022
Marianne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace to your mom. Cherish the memories of her wonderful life with all of you, they last forever. MJ&D
LOIS OLSON
May 17, 2022
YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHY. GERRY AND BERNIE WERE GREAT NEIGHBORS. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Kathy Terpstra lewis
May 17, 2022
So very sorry for your loss.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Memorial Events
for Burnetta Besl
People and places connected with Burnetta
La Crosse, WI
La Crosse Tribune
Recent Obituaries
How to support Burnetta's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Burnetta Besl's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
