Donald James Beseke

Don was born June 15^th, 1940 to Herbert and Estelle Beseke of Mountain Lake, MN. His family moved to Sedan, MN in 1955 and he later graduated from Glenwood High School in 1958. He then went on to serve in the US Air Force returning to Minnesota in 1962 where he rekindled his relationship with the love of his life, Bonnie, who he had met the night before leaving for service. He attended jet mechanics training while in the military and was the first employee at Douglas Machines who was not related to the owners. Following this he spent most of his career in the maintenance department of 3M designing and prototyping machinery. He retired in June of 1999.

Don has always enjoyed being active. He has been a lifelong gardener and there are likely few people in the area that have not enjoyed a taste of his delicious melons. He has always had a passion and amazing talent for carpentry and woodworking and has built many of their community game boards that he designed. He enjoyed fishing, both by boat and fish house, with his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed camping, square dancing and traveling earlier in his retirement with Bonnie and met many amazing friends along the way. In his later years he was passionate about playing games and cards with friends and family and crafted his skills at cheating so well that we still don’t know his secrets! He has enjoyed a beautiful life filled with belief in his Lord, family including Bonnie, his wife of 59 years, four children, nine grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife Bonnie, and three of his children; Steve (Patty) of Casa Grande, AZ, Brenda (Eric) of San Diego, CA, Becky (Dean) of Alexandria, MN; his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Jeff; his twin brother Dave who passed on the same date eight years prior; and both of his parents.

Don’s funeral services will be held at Alexandria Covenant Church on January 11, 2023 at 11 am with visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the church.  Our family would like to thank everyone for their love and support that has been so readily available during this difficult time. We have been truly blessed to have called this amazing man husband, dad and grandpa for so many years.