Loretta R. Bess

Loretta R. Bess, age 84, of Hortonville, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 2, 1941 in New London, WI, the daughter of the late Arnold and Alvina (Wohlrabe) Konow.
She grew up on the family farm with her sister Beverly, and not having any brothers, Loretta grew up as the farmhand, driving tractor, baling hay and doing her daily chores. Loretta was very proud of the fact that she put herself through college earning her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She worked for Outboard Marine corporation for over 20 years while raising her daughters, and then worked in customer service at PerfectSeal(Bemis) before retiring. On March 20, 1976, Loretta married Donald Bess. They enjoyed their time together fishing and camping. He preceded her in death on June 8, 1997. Loretta was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dale where she was involved with the Ladies Aid and loved singing in the choir. She also loved gardening and flowers, bowling, playing many rounds of golf, and she especially enjoyed sewing and quilting and was proud of the fact that she made beautiful quilts for her daughters and grandchildren. Loretta spent time volunteering at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, and was a member of the Fox River Beagle Club. She and her friend, Don enjoyed wintering in Texas. Loretta had a loved for all things nature and will be remembered for her infectious laugh.
Loretta is survived by three daughters, Sherry Lynn (Dennis) Meyer, Sandra Kaye (Jerome) Ernst, and Sharlotte Kim (Robert) Rhode; a step-daughter, Marla Smith; a step-son, Michael (Carol) Bess; 13 grandchildren, Richard (Patricia) Rhode, Elliot (Stephanie) Rhode, Hattie(Cody)Kluth, Jacki(Ryan)Sullivan, Tim Meyer, Lydia Seehawer, Elijah (Colbe) Auer, Cassandra Ernst, Nathan (Amanda) Ernst, Eric (Nikki) Ernst; Cassie Bess, Nicki (Mark) Felice, and Dani (Gavin) McCraken-Bennett; 15 great-grandchildren; her sister, Beverly Wheelock; a sister-in-law, Betty(Tom)Weyenberg; a very special friend, Donald Behm and his family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald, and her daughter, Sonya Sue Seehawer.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, N926 Dale Ave., Dale. Rev. Paul Ibisch will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Burial will be in Dale Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.
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