Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Bill J. Besonen

TROUT CREEK, Mich. - Bill J. Besonen, age 74 of Trout Creek, passed away at his home on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

Bill was born in Trout Creek on Jan. 7, 1948, the son of the late Eino and Elsie (Nuutinen) Besonen. He graduated from Trout Creek High School in 1966. He attended Michigan Tech University and Northern Michigan University where he received a master's degree in education.

Bill had been employed at Jeffers High School and Ontonagon High School where he taught physics, math and computer science. He was a member of Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church of Trout Creek and had been Interior Township supervisor and assessor.

Bill married the former Jean Anderson on Aug. 23, 2008. She preceded him in death on Sept. 30, 2017. He enjoyed ham radio, watching basketball and had played ball in his younger age, traveling, including going to Finland many times and computer troubleshooting.

Bill is survived by his siblings, Jane (Kenneth) Ivio of Bruce Crossing, David (Joanne) Besonen of Chelmsford, Massachuesettes, Paul (Pam) Besonen of Trout Creek, Carolyn (Mark) Lucarelli of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Jeff (Amy Matison) Besonen of Fridley, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Arthur Pouttu of Ramsey, Minnesota; two stepchildren, nieces and nephews, and numerous brothers and sisters in faith. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister, Patricia; and infant brother, James.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, at 18240 U.S. 41 in L'Anse, with Dan Hintsala officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral services, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral home.

Spring interment will take place in the Trout Creek Cemetery.

Bill's obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at reidfuneralservicechapel.com.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L'Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.