Gary Lee Besler

Master Sergeant Gary Lee Besler, 71, of Hopkinton, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 12, 1954, in Manchester, son of William and JoAnn (Lake) Besler. He was raised and educated in Hopkinton and was a 1972 graduate of Maquoketa Valley High School. Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ponsar in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Five children were born to this union. The couple later divorced.
After his graduation, Gary joined the United States Air Force in January 1973. Gary received basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He then attended technical school at Biloxi Air Force Base, Mississippi. His first assignment was at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan; and Ching Chuan Kang (CCK) Air Force Base, Taiwan. He served there from 1973-1975. From 1976-1977, Gary was stationed at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, Kansas City, Missouri, after which he was assigned to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina. Gary's longest assignment was from 1980-1988 at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette, Michigan. His fifth duty took him to Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska and he finalized his military career in 1993 at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas.
During his 20 years of military service, Gary received many decorations-awards. They include: Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with a silver cluster; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Long Term Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Professional Military Education Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster; National Defense Medal with one oak leaf cluster; and Air Force Training Ribbon.
Gary was proud of his participation in securing the Purple heart and Bronze Star for a fellow service member, Corporal Kenneth W. Jurgens, who was killed in the line of duty in Vietnam on March 18, 1967. Rod Jurgens, a nephew of Kenneth, and Gary were instrumental in contacting Senator Chuck Grassley's office and seeking his help in recovering Jurgen's medals and ribbons. A ceremony was held for the family and a scholarship in his name was established.
After his retirement, Gary worked at FarmTek in Dyersville and Big River United Energy ethanol plant in Hopkinton. Gary enjoyed riding his motorcycle and playing racquetball. He participated with his motorcycle, as a Patriot Guard Rider, honoring deceased veterans. He was also a member of the Hopkinton Library Board, serving as President since 2011. Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; watching them in their sporting events, golfing, playing pool, puzzles and filling out the NCAA March Madness Brackets. He loved spending time with his family, and especially cherished his grandchildren.
Survivors include his five children, Mike (Wendy) Besler of Missouri, Sarah (Jeremy) Meyer of Manchester, Anna Besler (Matt Ramirez)of Rhode Island, Brian (Becca) Besler of Ryan, and Therese (Brian) Hansen of Manchester; nine grandchildren, Eyan (Lauren) Yost, Wyatt (Emily) Yost, Carter (Janna) Klostermann, Lukas Meyer, Cash Meyer, Ethan Besler, Elaina Besler, Conner Hansen, and Jace Hansen; his mother, JoAnn Besler; and his siblings, Stan (Pat) Besler, Debbie (Gary) Schilling, Laurie Supple, Kathy (Bill) Kraus, Keith Besler, and Jenny Besler; and many nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Steve.
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