Eleanor Bessen

TROUT CREEK, Mich. - Eleanor Bessen, 87, of Trout Creek, passed away July 2, 2014.

She was born June 11, 1927, in Eagle River, Wis., to Albert and Martha (Olsson) Soquist of Conover, Wis.

On Nov. 24, 1951, Eleanor married Roy Bessen, of Trout Creek, and soon became a very active member of this community. She joined Trinity Lutheran Church and she served in many capacities, but her favorite station was at the front door of the church as she welcomed the people.

She was an active member of the Trombley-Polkas Post 494 American Legion Auxiliary where she served in many leadership positions and worked hard in support of all their programs. She was also a member of the Henry Hendrickson VFW Post 8945 Auxiliary in Covington.

Eleanor had many talents and interests. She wrote poems, she baked the best cookies, and she loved puzzles ... of all kinds. She loved bowling, horseshoes and reading. She was fascinated by nature and loved adventure: hiking, cross country skiing, fishing ... even ice fishing, and when the sky turned to night she loved to watch the stars.

She was a friend to everyone who came her way.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Alan (Carol), of Kentucky; daughters, Joan (George) Smart, of Rogers City, Gale Bessen, of Elkhart, Ind., Mary (Mark) Kerner, of Kenton, and Jane (Fred) Osinski, of Kenton; 10 grandchildren, Phil, Andy, Aaron, Ryan, Kristen, Amy, Dusten, Alana, Audrey and Holly; eight great-grandchildren, Kyle, Blake, Ryan and Robbie, Ava, Tyson, Daniel and Hadlee; and a sister, Dorothy (Jack) MacClenden, of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Bessen, on Dec. 31, 2006; three brothers, Reynold, Alvin and Wilhelm; two sisters, Helen and Mary; and a great-granddaughter, Bailey.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Trout Creek.

Condolences may be expressed to the family Eleanor Bessen online at jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.