Carol J. Besse
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Monday, September 6, 1943
Date of Death:
Monday, May 27, 2024
Age:
80 years old
Carol J. Besse
Carol Jean (Bien) Besse, age 80, of Rochester, MN, was called to eternal rest on May, 27, 2024. She was born on September 6, 1943, in Durand, WI. She was a proud alumnus of both St. Mary’s Catholic School and Durand High School in her hometown.
Carol left home after high school and went to Winona, MN. She met and later married Lyle Besse. They moved to Chatfield, MN for a few years, eventually moving to Rochester, MN. The two later separated and divorced, but remained friends and were dedicated to their two children.
Carol’s vocational journey was marked by her love of, and dedication to, the food service industry, where she managed several delis and bakeries with grace and efficiency. Her final professional years were spent contributing to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Carol was cherished for her generous spirit and exceptional culinary talents. Her “Carol’s Potato Salad”, family meals, and sweet treats were the highlight of many gatherings, embodying her love for nurturing others through food.
Carol’s life was filled with interests that included a love for card and dice games, a passion for collecting, and most importantly, the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. A faithful parishioner, Carol worshiped at Resurrection Catholic Church.
Left to honor Carol’s memory are her loving children, daughter, Polly Jensen (Brad Steinbrink) of Wykoff, MN; her son Michael (Christina) Besse of Elgin, MN; her adored grandchildren, Kimberly (Kyle) Johnson, Tara (Jeff) Ramirez, Melyssa Jensen (Josh Schmidt), Marcus Besse (Jasmine Liebenow), and Matthew Besse; her treasured great-grandchildren, Domanyk, Shaylin and Ryker Schmidt; her brother, Ronald Bien, sister-in-law Corine Bien; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Preceding Carol in death were her parents, John (Jack) and Luella Bien; her brother John (Sonny) Bien, her sister Rose Harris, her brother-in-law Tom Harris, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, and great-nephew.
The family invites those who knew and loved Carol to pay their respects at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation is scheduled for June, 29,2024, from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. A lunch will follow, allowing friends and family to continue sharing memories of Carol’s beautiful life. Burial will take place in Plum City, WI at Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery commencing at 5 p.m.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Carol J. Besse has received the following condolences.
I worked with Carol at Mr. p’s bakery. Carol was a hard worker, she enjoyed the people and always had kind words no matter the circumstances.
I will miss the calls and the visits we had during good times and not so good times.
She will have no pain or sorrow just happiness to share with all of us when we meet again.
God blessings to her family and friends.
She will be missed.
God’s speed Carol!
Leon and Sharon:
I met Carol when she started her adoration hour Thursday at 4am with Terry.
I will remember Carol for her smile, generous heart and love of her family. Carol often spoke fondly of her children, grandchildren, siblings and parents. She was proud of where she grew up and loved to share memories through her stories. Carol was a devoted Packers fan and she got me interested in watching football.
I was one of her many friends that received the delicious fudge she made at Christmas. She especially enjoyed making the fudge with Marcus. Carol will be missed but not forgotten.
My Sympathy to her family,
Mary Lou Delaney
Polly, my deepest sympathy to you at this time.
Joni
To all of Carol's family. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Carol and worked with her at Mr D's at the Hillcrest plaza when she managed the deli. She made a dish of mashed potatoes sauerkraut and hot dog that I loved and she invited me over to her house just to cook it for me.She had a personality of an Angel and loved everyone. I will miss her dearly and thank God for blessing us with her
Dear Besse family - Carol was a wonderful neighbor to our mother when they lived at the townhouse. She was very caring and thoughtful. Our deepest condolences - the family of Bonnie Mickelson
Barb and I were so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I have fond memories of participating in Eucharistic Adoration with her at Resurrection Parish in Rochester for well over 10 years (covering the 3am and 4am shifts!). Carol always had wonderful stories to tell about her family (especially her grandson Marcus) and she hosted a number of events at her home for all of the members of the Adoration team. When she was healthy she would make popcorn balls and brownies and give them to anybody and everybody. I enjoyed stopping in to see her when I would visit Rochester after I retired and moved back to Cleveland in 2018. Such a wonderful person; I will certainly miss her. Rest in Peace Carol.
,So very sorry for your loss. Carol was a very sweet and kind person. I hadn't seen her for quite sometime as I moved from Rochester.I know she'll be very missed.????????????