Gordon M. Besemann

STAPLES -- Gordon Morris Besemann, 79, Staples, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at Staples Hospital.

He was born Jan. 27, 1923, in Absaraka, N.D., to August and Anna (Schwandt) Besemann. They moved to Swanville. He graduated from Swanville High School in 1941. He attended St. Cloud State University. He worked on his parents' farm until he was drafted into the Armed Forces in November 1944. He received basic training at Camp Roberts in California. He served 18 months in the South Pacific Islands of Lagon, Mindanao and Leyte. He was discharged in November 1946. He graduated from St. Cloud State University in May 1949 with a bachelor's degree. He married Margaret Ruth Kempton on June 25, 1949. He taught school for 31 years in Wabasso and Royalton, Phelps, Wis., and Pillager and Faribault. He taught industrial education, history, physical education and driver's education. He retired in 1985. He coached high school and junior high school sports for 46 years, and as late as 2001. He was a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and served in church offices wherever he was a member. He also served as the commander of the American Legion Post 100 of Pillager.

Survivors include a son, Michael, Hibbing; two daughters, Kristine Rutz, Tulsa, Okla., and Paula Thorman, Staples; nine grandchildren; a sister, Adeline Hartwig, Swanville; and two brothers, Donald, Bemidji, and Kenneth, Swanville.

A grandchild died earlier.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Robin Collins and Pastor Alvin Jeske officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Swanville.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday with devotions at 7:30 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements are with Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.