Melvin Besse

Melvin George Besse was born on February 26, 1944, in Marshall, to George and Regina (Dandurand) Besse. He grew up in rural Russell and attended school in Russell. In his younger years, Mel worked as a block tender for George Edwards in Marshall. On February 23, 1963, he was united in marriage to Josie Demuth in Tracy. The couple lived in Arizona from November of 1963 to April of 1965 when they returned to Marshall. Mel worked in construction for Doom & Cuypers and Bernie Wambeke. He was owner and operator of Mel Besse Construction from 1972 – 1983. In 1983, he began working for Robert L. Carr Construction, where he worked as a supervisor until health issues ended his career. Mel enjoyed the outdoors including camping, hunting and fishing. In later years, he and Josie enjoyed travelling. Mel died on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, after a two year battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Josie, of Marshall, son Brad (and Audrey) Besse, grandchildren Nathan (fiancé Amanda Fixen) of Marshall and Taylor Besse, college student at Mankato, son Brian Besse of Marshall, siblings Frances (and Jim) Schmidt of Lake in the Hills, IL, Marlin (and Cathy) Besse of Garvin, David Besse of Marshall and Colleen (and Gary) Buchert of Balaton, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents