7
OBITUARIES was a 3 sport letterman in high school and briefly held the record for the 440 yard dash. In high school he was President of the FFA his senior year. After he graduated from Erie High School, he briefly Joseph Jay Besse, attended the University 99, of Erie IL, died Tuesof Illinois for Veterinary day, December 21, 2021 Medicine. Joe was at Morrison Community married to Mildred Jean Hospital, Morrison, Parker, June 19, 1948 IL. Services will be at and they were married 10:00 am on Tuesday, for 64 years before her December 28, 2021 at death in 2013. He was Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie. Burial will follow in the Erie Cemetery. Visitation will be a member of the Whiteside County Feeder Association, President of the Illinois Angus from 4-7 pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made Association, member of Erie United Methodist Church and member of Lake Erie Golf to the Erie United Methodist Church or Erie Course. Fire Department. Joe was a lifelong farmer in the Erie area. Joe was born February 24, 1922 at the He began his farming career in 1941, buying a home on River Road, Erie during the flood new International “M” that year. He farmed of 1922. He was the son of Randolph S. and with his brother, Richard, for 39 years and Della J. (Hawk) Besse. Joe attended Erie then farmed with his son Mark for 37 years. schools and rode his pony “Music” to school Richard and Joe raised a heard of purebred for several years. It was uphill both ways. Joe Angus cattle for many years. His children
Born: February 24, 1922 in Erie, IL Died: December 21, 2021 in Morrison, IL
were involved with FFA and 4-H in their youth. Joe never really retired from farming but continued his interest in farming innovations, yields and markets. Joe saw many changes in agriculture from handpicking corn with a team of horses to riding in a John Deere combine with a 12 row head and planting with a 24 row planter. He was a lifelong Cub fan, Ernie Banks was his favorite player. He enjoyed golfing on men’s day and golfing with his wife Millie. The guys at the course called him “Sweet Swing” and he had a hole in one at age 70. He and Millie entered many golf events together. He was a fan of watching Erie High School Sports, particularly the Warkins Tournament. He enjoyed watching his children play sports and playing games in the yard with his grandchildren. Joe and Millie enjoyed traveling to many destinations, including Austria, Spain and for their 25th anniversary, Hawaii. They also spent many years wintering in Florida where he dominated the shuffleboard courts. During the flood of 1990 Joe was interviewed and quoted on the front page of the USA Today for
his knowledge of area floods. Joe worked hard and nurtured his family, friends, and crops under his care. His wit, strength, wisdom, and humor will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his 4 children, Mark (Regina) Besse, Erie, Bart (Sue) Besse, Louisburg, KS, Brenda Besse, Erie and Jody Besse, Erie; grandchildren, Kelsey (John) Lorenzen, Nicole Besse, Bridget (Steve) Graff, Randl (Julie) Besse, , Colin (Lauren) Besse, Brooklin (Eric) Rodricks, Cheyenne Voss, Chastity (Craig) Morrison; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, Erin and Elena Lorenzen, Charlotte Besse, Emily and Gavin Graff, Knox and Lincoln Besse, Maverick and Ryder Besse, Logan and Jaydon Voss, Lillian, Callan, Emmy Lou, and Sarah Kate Morrison; and great-great grandchild, Avelyn Voss. He was preceded in death by his wife Millie; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Besse; brother, Richard Besse and Ron Paaske. Share a memory or condolence at www. gibsonbodefh.com
JAMES SLAYMAKER
Morrison, IL, to Delbert and Pearle (Graham) Slaymaker. He attended the Newton Twp. Born: November 17, 1943 in Morrison, IL Grade School and graduated from Erie High Died: December 21, 2021 in Sterling, IL School in 1962. James worked at Self-Help Enterprises in Sterling, IL for many years. He JAMES SLAYMAKER, was a member of Albany United Methodist 78, of Greenview Home, Sterling, IL, died Church. James was an avid football fan, Tuesday, December 21, enjoyed horse racing and he also participated in Special Olympics numerous times. He was 2021 in his home. His memorial service a coffee addict, grabbing a cup any chance he could! will be held at 10:30 Survivors include one sister, Nancy Vena.m. Monday, Decemhuizen of Morrison; a niece, Kim King, and ber 27, 2021 at the Morrison Chapel of the a nephew, Tom (Amy) Venhuizen, both of Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, preceded by a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Luke Morrison. He is also survived by three great nieces, a great nephew and seven great-great Schouten, Pastor of Emmanuel Reformed nieces and nephews. Church in Morrison, is officiating. Cremation James was preceded in death by his parrites have been accorded. Interment will be ents; one sister in infancy, Jane Ann Slaymakat a later date in the Oakridge Cemetery in Albany, IL. A memorial to Self-Help Enterpris- er; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Venhuizen, and a niece, Virginia Ann Venhuizen. es in Sterling has been established. To send online condolences go to www. James was born on November 17, 1943 in bosmarenkes.com
Resthave is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
BE A GOOD
NEIGHBOR
Volunteer.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, Dec 28, 2021
JOSEPH JAY BESSE
