Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Donald James Besse

by

Donald Besse obituary, Fillmore County Journal

Donald James Besse, age 68, passed away peacefully at his home November 8, 2020, a very warm, beautiful day. He had undergone extensive cancer treatments for the past 2 1/2  years. He was born May 21, 1952, to Russell and Lorraine Besse in Caledonia, Minn. Don graduated from Caledonia High School and went on to attend Winona Technical College to become an auto body technician. May 6, 1972, Don married his childhood sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life, Dorrie Leary, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, Minn. They moved to Preston, Minn., shortly after they were married, where Don started working at Jerry’s Body Shop. Later he and his wife purchased the body shop and renamed the shop Preston Service Plus. They worked side by side together, growing their business for 30 years before selling it. They then built together two new businesses, Besse Mini Storage and Besse Auto Detailing in Preston, Minn.

Don was an active member in the Preston community. His friendly face was a welcome sight for both local people and strangers experiencing flat tires, out of gas, stuck in the snow, locked cars or involved in an accident. Don played Santa and rode on the fire truck to meet the children; painted the Army tank located at the trailhead for the American Legion and the VFW; displayed bicycles around town and for many years was a member of the Preston Trout Days committee. Don was caretaker of the Preston Trout Float and for years drove it to many of the local parades, representing Preston. He volunteered at his church and enjoyed calling Bingo on Sunday nights and at the fair.

Don had many hobbies and was passionate about all of them. He loved classic cars and owned several himself. His favorite was a 1964 Impala ragtop, the car he owned in high school while dating his wife Dorrie. Don also enjoyed taking his cars to car shows and on car cruises. He was a long-time member of the Bluff Country Cruisers. He was an avid fan of the stock car races at the local tracks in the area and for 12 years he drove his own stock car at the tracks. Don spent many Sunday afternoons at the go-cart track as pit crew for his son. He and his wife had motorcycles and took many adventures with their bikes. Some of the longer trips were to Sturgis, circling the State of Minnesota and twice they circled Lake Superior. He watched the NASCAR races on TV and attended several races and toured many of the tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Don loved camping with this family and traveled the United States extensively. He often bragged when a commercial or show came on TV, proclaiming, “I’ve been there and done that.” A great dancer, he could do the moves to any kind of music. In recent years, he found pleasure in spending time at their summer home in Lansing, Iowa, watching the river traffic, the trains and cars. He was also an artist and in recent years was designing and welding lawn art. He most enjoyed making lawn art that he could give to his wife.

Don is survived by his wife Dorrie of 48 years, three daughters: Adrianne (Todd) McNiff of Mantorville, Minn., Theresa (Steven Manson) Besse of La Crosse, Wis., Jolene (Joseph) Jacobson of St. Paul, Minn.; and one son, James (Melissa) Besse of Byron, Minn. He also has five grandchildren: Lucas McNiff, Emily McNiff Robertson, Corryn Besse, Nora Besse and Parker Jacobson and soon to arrive, a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Robertson; his sister Beverly Wenisch and one brother, Darrin Besse. He was preceded in death by his parents ond one brother, Larry.

Don will be most remembered by his family and friends for his warm smile, his friendly wave, his kind heart and thumbs up.

The family has planned a private burial and a family celebration of his life. Don cherished family gatherings.

Comments

  1. Sorry to hear that Don Jim passed away but for him he’s in a much better place. He will be missed so much from FAMILY and FRIENDS!!! Dorrie,Beverly, Darrin and the rest of the family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  2. Sorry to hear of Don Jims passing!! He was liked or loved by all who new him. My thoughts and prayers go out too you Dorrie,Beverly, Darrin and the rest of the family. I’m going to have a Mass and a candle for him at Resurrection Catholic Church Rochester. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  3. So sorry about the passing of Don Jim, what a great guy!! Was like or loved by every one who new him. My prayers are with Dorrie, Beverly, Darrin and the rest of the family. I”ll have a Mass and a candle for him at Resurrection Catholic Church.

  4. My deepest sympathy’s to you and your family Dorrie. Don was a guy I grew up admiring. Every memory I have of was one of joy. He always smiled and had a story that made me laugh. I remember going for a ride in his impala. Him with the 64 and dad with his 65. He took so much pride in everything he did. The whole community will be left with a void now that he isn’t with us. He will forever be in our hearts.

  6. I am so sorry for your loss! it is never easy to lose a loved one no matter the circumstances. Keep the good memories close to your heart.

  7. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember when he helped my dad at the concession stands at the softball fields.

  9. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of grieving.
    Dan & Melisa Goergen

  10. Dori and. family: On behalf of the Bluff Country Cruisers our deepest sympathy. Know he is now at peace and no longer suffering. We sure have had some good times with the two of you on cruises and overniters. I was ju. . st sitting here laughing about our one overniter when the storm hit and we put the cars in an abandoned car was and honkered there, only to have Dons chair break and he fell to the floor. Cherish those memories. and Thank You guys for the many hospitalities you showed the club, it was greatly appreciated. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day unseen and unheard, but always near, still loved and missed.” Ron, Phyllis and family and Bluff Country Cruisers

  12. Bill and I are deeply saddened by this news. Both Don and Dorrie were some of the special people we will always remember from our time in Preston. Our deepest sympathy to Dorrie and the family. We know your memories will live in your hearts forever.

  13. Sending hugs and prayers for strength! Don was a caring business owner who went the extra mile! He will be missed. May you be comforted by your faith and cherished memories!💕

  14. I believe Donney was my 2nd cousin. I enjoyed visiting with him at the body shop. We would reminisce on our relative’s. Families and he even talked about my dad past. Donney was a great guy always there when I had vehicle trouble. Sending my hugs and prayers to Dorie and het family. Donney will be missed.

  15. He was one of the good guys. Always a smile. Always helpful. I love the way he loved his wife.
    I am saddened that he is no longer with us. Mary Bell

  16. Your family has our sympathy. We always enjoyed visiting with him.
    From,
    Allen & Sharon Christianson

  17. Oh Iam so sorry to hear about Don! What a great guy! I enjoyed our visits at PSP!
    He surely will be missed! Sending prayers to the family!

  18. Loved that guy. Always did what he could to help us out. Lots of great long…….visits!