Donna M. Besch

Funeral Mass for Donna Besch will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. Burial will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. with a rosary at 7 P.M. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish - St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore.

Donna Besch was born to Alfred "Sam" and Mildred "Millie" Miller on March 21,1942. Her love for life on the farm started early by helping her parents on their family farm in LuVerne where she grew up.

Donna's early education would begin in Algona when she stayed with her grandparents during the week so she could attend school at St. Cecelia and returned home on the weekends. Donna attended Corwith Wesley high school where her love for basketball grew. Her team would see back-to-back state tournaments in 1959 and 1960. Donna developed lifelong friendships with her teammates and coach, Charlie Higa.

After graduation Donna worked for the Kossuth County Department of Social Welfare. A blind date at the Plantation in Whittemore would lead Donna to meet the love of her life Maurice Besch. On September 4, 1965, Maurice and Donna were united in marriage in Corwith. Eventually they would settle on their family farm east of Cylinder where they spent the next 52 years raising their family and working together.

Dedication, hardworking, compassion, fun and classy are all words that describe Donna. She was a key partner in the family farm operations, working ground, meticulous accounting and always having a hot meal ready, in addition to tending her many flower beds and large vegetable garden. She loved to cook, finding new recipes to try and preparing delicious meals and treats for family, friends, or anyone who happened to stop at the farm. Donna could do anything she set her mind to whether it was to refinish a piece of furniture or even catch a stray goose in the creek to keep as a family pet.

Donna was a talented seamstress making clothes for her kids and various Halloween costumes. She sewed beautiful curtains and created quilts for church fundraisers and her grandchildren. In the 80's, Donna followed her civic duty and held the position of treasurer for the state representative at the time for Palo Alto County.

She was active in her kids' lives, taking on the responsibility of being a 4-H leader for their local club. She served as chauffeur and was their biggest cheerleader for their many activities. Community and her faith were also important to Donna volunteering where she was needed at St. Michael's church and school as well as holding an officer position with the St. Michael's Rosary Society.

Donna was always ready for an adventure or time with special friends. Many trips were taken with family and friends, Red Hat outings were always something to look forward to, and Saturday night card club with long time friends were times that Donna cherished.

When faced with difficult times Donna faced them head on with determination and grace. This would be evident in 2007 when she suffered a cerebral aneurysm.

In December of 2020, after 52 years on the farm, health challenges for both Maurice and Donna would move them to the nursing home where they would spend their final days.

After a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's Donna passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 8, 2025.

Donna is survived by her children, LuAnn (Nick) Woolley of Des Moines, Melissa Schlader of Prairie Village, KS, Larry (Nancy) Besch of Whittemore, and Linda (Rick) Morris of Denver, CO. Eight grandchildren Kayla (Braiddey) Ruzicka, Sam Volkmer, Logan Besch, Megan Besch, Nicholas (Cat) Schlader, Isabel Schlader, Zachary Morris and Brayden Morris as well as one great granddaughter due in September.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Maurice (2021) and daughter-in-law Lynette (2003).

Donna was greatly loved; we will cherish our memories of her.