Robert J. Beesley

Robert J. Beesley, 82, peacefully entered into Eternal Life surrounded by family at his home on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, following a long struggle with COPD. Bob was born June 7, 1926, to the late Ellerd and Margaret Adamek Beesley. On January 29, 1949, he married Eleanore Sobotka at St. Agnes Church in Ashland, WI. She preceded him in death on August 19, 2003. Bob joined the US Navy on October 24, 1944 and served on the USS New Orleans during WW II. He was extremely proud of serving his country in the US Navy. He also worked aboard the Streamer G.G. Post on the Great Lakes in 1949 as a Coastguardsman. He and his wife moved to Fond du Lac in 1952. Bob was a member of Church of The Presentation in North Fond du Lac. He was formerly employed by Mercury Marine for 38 years before retiring in 1988. Bob enjoyed returning to his hometown of Ashland, WI to visit with family and friends. Fishing on Lake Superior and the ore docks brought back fond memories. The artisan springs always quenched his thirst. Bob was always ready to teach anyone the game of cribbage. His last student was Judy from Hospice who lovingly took time aside from her duties to learn the game. Bob was often quoted as saying "Many play the game, few understand. Bob is survived by six children. Jeffrey (Jeanette) Beesley of North Fond du Lac, Julie (George) Klobucher of Ashland, WI, Valerie (Victor) Baumgartner of St. Cloud, WI, Robert (Debbie) Beesley of Iron River, WI, Terry (Fiancé' Ursula Frost) Beesley of North Fond du Lac, Mary Jo (Mike) Dowland of North Fond du Lac, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is further survived by a brother Tom (Donna) Beesley of Texas, and two sisters-in-law, Thelma Beesley of Park Falls, WI, and Helen Sobotka of Ashland, WI. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanore, brothers, Frank, George, John, and Donald Beesley, sisters Margaret Ann Sturgal, Ludmilla Smith, and Virginia Mansavage. Also preceding were his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.



Visitation for Mr. Robert J. Beesley will be on Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 12 noon to 3 pm at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Memorial services will be at 3 pm at the funeral home on Saturday. Cremation has taken place. Deacon Larry Hughes will officiate, and inurnment of cremated remains will be in the Chapel of The Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Bob's name. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com