Mark R. Besse

1949 - 2026

Mark R. Besse
Born: April 3, 1949 in Moline, IL
Died: March 4, 2026 in Hampton, IL
Mark R. Besse, 76, of Hampton, IL, formerly of Erie, IL, died Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home. Services were Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Erie Christian Church, Erie, IL. Visitation was Wednesday, March 11, at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Burial was in Kingsbury Cemetery, rural Erie. Memorials may be made to the Erie Food Pantry or Grandview Baptist Church, Davenport.
Mark was born April 3, 1949, in Moline, IL, the son of Joseph and Mildred (Parker) Besse. He grew up on the family farm in Erie and graduated from Erie High School. After graduation, he attended Eastern Illinois University where he received his bachelor's degree in education. While at Eastern, he met his wife, Bonnie Hoffman, and they were married on February 7, 1970. Together they had four children. Bonnie preceded him in death on May 17, 2007. He later was united in marriage to Regina (Ryan) Voss on June 21, 2008.
For a time after graduating from college, Mark sold Rainbow Vacuums, which he always insisted were the best. Mark spent much of his life farming alongside his father at Besse Farms, a place that reflected his deep love for the land and the community. He was highly involved in soil and water conservation efforts, serving as President of the AISWCD from 2000–2003, and was respected by many for his dedication to agriculture and conservation.
Mark was active in basketball, softball, and golf. He enjoyed 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and summer softball league and was a longtime member of Lake Erie Country Club.
Mark and Regina eventually moved from the farm and made their home in Hampton. Together they enjoyed summer days on the Mississippi River cruising in their Regal boat. He took pride in their boat, always particular about it's care and maintenance. Mark and Regina were members of the Lindsay Park Yacht Club and together they enjoyed many trips and vacations and spent winters on Manasota Key, Florida.
Faith played an important role in Mark's life. He was a member of Grandview Baptist Church in Davenport, where he was baptized and valued the friendships, and encouragement that he found within his church family.
Mark was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to fix almost anything around the farm - truly a jack of all trades. He had a great love of sports and was a lifelong Chicago White Sox, Bulls, and Bears fan. He could often be found on the sidelines of a sporting event cheering for his kids and grandkids in their sports and activities. Mark had an infectious smile and laugh and was a wonderful storyteller who could bring people together with his humor and wit. His four children will always remember how important a clean car is, the correct way to hold a flashlight, and to work hard but also have a little fun. Mark often reflected on the many wonderful memories with his dearest friends. Above all, the most important thing in Mark's life was his deep love for his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Mark will be remembered for his kindness, humor, his faith, dedication to his family and his farm, and the lasting impact he made in his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mark is survived by his wife, Regina; children, Kelsey (John) Lorenzen, Davenport, IA, Nicole Besse, Springfield, IL, Bridget (Steven) Graff, Saxonburg, PA, Randl (Julie) Besse, LeClaire, IA; stepchildren, Cheyenne Voss, Erie, and Chastity (Craig) Morrison, Greenville, PA; grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, Erin, and Elena Lorenzen, Charlotte Besse, Emily and Gavin Graff, Knox and Lincoln Besse, Logan and Jaydon Voss, and Lillian, Callan, Emmylou, and Sarah Kate Morrison; and great-granddaughter, Avelyn Voss. He is also survived by siblings Barton (Sue) Besse, Louisburg, KS, Brenda Besse, Erie, and Jody Besse, Erie; brothers-in-law Clifford (Sharon) Hoffman, John (Joan) Hoffman, Todd Hoffman, and Michael Hoffman; and sister-in-law Peggy Hoffman.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sue Fortune-Smith, Janna Robinson, and April Mason for the exceptional care and kindness they provided to Mark in the last few months.
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