Lisa Mae "Thurk" Besaw

Lisa (Thurk) Besaw, age 64, of Mercer, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Born on May 13, 1961, in the Sugar Bush area to Russell and Phyllis (Guyette) Thurk, Lisa grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for family that carried throughout her life. After graduating from New London High School, she began her working years as a cook in the Appleton area. When she later made Mercer her home, she became well known in the community through her years of service with the Lakeland School District and by helping countless resorts and restaurants with her dependable cleaning work. Lisa worked hard at everything she did and took pride in a job well done.

Family, though, was always at the center of her world. She lit up when talking about her children and grandchildren, and she never missed a chance to share just how proud she was of them. To Lisa, her family's accomplishments, big or small, were her greatest joy. She loved fishing, creating diamond art, and relaxing with her loyal dog, Jake, but nothing compared to the happiness she felt when surrounded by family or telling stories about them.

Lisa is survived by her sons, Rusty and TJ Hangartner; her brother, Roger Thurk; sister-in-law, Mary Shaw; daughter-in-law, Melissa Hangartner; grandchildren, Tommy (Kaitlyn), Casey, Cambrie, Katera, Austin, Dillon, Aiyanna, Jayden, Junior, Mercades, and Lexus; and her great-grandchild, Kylie. She will also be remembered by many other relatives and friends who were touched by her warmth and hard work.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ronny Thurk, and her son, Geno Hangartner.

A celebration of Lisa's life will take place on Sunday, September 28th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Great Northern Hotel & Banquet Hall in Mercer.

In place of flowers, memorials may be directed to the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, P.O. Box 726, Ironwood, MI 49938.