Barbara "Barb" J. Besch

Barbara “Barb” J. Besch, age 72, of Appleton, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 15, 2018. She was born on September 17, 1945 to the late Robert J. and Eunice P. (Wegenke) Hendricks in Appleton. Barb graduated from Appleton High School in 1963, and married Thomas “Tom” Besch at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Appleton on January 20, 1968. Together they were blessed with their only child, Sarah.
Her thirty-seven year career span started with Kimberly-Clark and transitioned to Midwest Express Airlines of which she was the second hire for Midwest. Barb’s job required that she and Tom move to Omaha, where they lived for sixteen years. However, once she retired they returned to the Appleton area.
Before her move to Omaha and even upon her return she was an active member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton. She was active in many circles such as: Prayer Shawl Ministry, L.W.M.L., Bell Choir, The Board of Human Care and The Community Benefit Tree. Since Barb’s career required a lot of traveling, once she retired she simply enjoyed the peace and comforts of home. She could be found either knitting or sewing but always looked forward to family visits and gatherings.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah (Tom) Cousland of Oconomowoc; her granddaughters, Hailey Jo and Samantha Cousland; her sister, Susan (Earl) Ahlswede of Neenah; her sister-in-law, Terri (Don) Britten; nephew, Jason (Casey) Britten and their children Max and Kate; nephew, Matt (Melisa) Britten and their children, Grace and Elliott and her nephew, John (Lisa) Ahlswede and her special cousin, Judy (Don) Meier. Barb is further survived many other family members and friends too numerous to list but never forgotten.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, on July 24, 2012 and her parents-in-law, Robert and Kathryn Besch-Potter and Merrill Potter
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2220 E. College Avenue in Appleton. Visitation will take place on Wednesday starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers memorial funds will be forwarded to: The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, The Salvation Army of Appleton and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Appleton. Online condolences can be shared at www.wichmannfargo.com.
Barb’s family would like to thank the staff of ThedaCare At Home and Right At Home Care Givers for the excellent care given to Barb and compassion shown to her family. Barb’s family would also like to acknowledge Dr. Davis and the Aurora Oncology Team.