James R. Besch

James Besch, age 85, passed away at Heartwood Homes on January 7, 2008. Jim was born in Neenah on March 27, 1927, to the late Edward and Laura Besch and remained an Appleton resident for all his life. He married his childhood sweetheart, the late Virginia (Delrow) on November 22, 1943. During WWII Jim served in the Army and was stationed in China and India. In early years Jim enjoyed fishing and evening horseshoe games with neighbors. He was a whiz at small engine repair and took pride in building boats. Jim was the founder of Besch Plumbing and spent many years operating the family business with his son and grandson.

Jim is survived by his son Edward W. (Susan), daughter Linda A. Weber, three grandchildren Andrew Besch (finance Char Wolter), Julie Besch, Brandon Schmidt, all of Appleton, sisters in law Kathyrn Potter, Appleton; Mary Bremmer, Amherst; Marcella Delrow, Jacksonville, FL.; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and spouse Jim was preceded in death by brothers Robert Besch and William Besch; brothers in law, Edward Delrow, Francis Bremmer, John Arft and Donald Delrow and sisters in law Mary Besch and Dorothy Arft.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 12, 2008, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Entombment will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund is being established.

The family would like to give special thanks for the wonderful care received at Heartwood Homes, Appleton.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfargo.com