Harold George Bessette

Harold George Bessette, 84, of Manawa, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was born on July 7, 1941, in the Town of Deer Creek, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, to the late Fred and Marie (Zirbes) Bessette. Harold married Sandra (Brockhaus) Bessette on January 19, 1963, at St. Bridges Catholic Church in Royalton. Harold enjoyed serving his country in the United States Army, which included 3 years in Germany. Harold worked at Hillshire, Waupaca Foundry, and 30+ years at Norberg in Clintonville. Harold was a longtime faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manawa. He was a lifetime member of the Symco Thresheree; taking his steam engines and tractors for many years, and volunteering many hours to the club. Harold and Sandy enjoyed traveling to many tractor and steam shows along with their dear friends Terry and Mary Cochart, Sue and Victor LeNoble, and Dorothy and George Kafer. He now joins his fellow Threshermen, Terry, Kenny, Larry, Boots, and Lyle.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra, children: Brenda (Mike) Mazemke, Betty Aanstad (Fiance Mark Bonikowske), Brian (Jenny) Bessette and Beth (Ted) Krauss; grandchildren: Brittany (Christian) Schnobrich, Megan (Matt) Ott, Amanda (Trace) Sorenson, Dylan (Chelsea) Aanstad, Olivia (Will) Martins, Laynie Bessette, Lindsey Krauss (Charles Onlyelu) and Wesley (Emily) Krauss; great-grandchildren: Finnegan, Huxley, Lyndon, Everleigh, Michael, Mason, Mady, Ryatt, Suttyn, and Mara; brother-in-law: Orville Bartman; also many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers: Fred, Leo (Ann), James (Carmen) and sister: Pat Bartman.

The Funeral Mass for Harold will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manawa on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM with the Father Kris Mekala officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM. Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Symco. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at ThedaCare New London, the staff at St. Joseph Residence, New London, and the staff at ThedaCare Hospice for their kindness and compassion to dad, mom, and family.