Thomas Besch

Thomas R. Besch of Appleton passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at Appleton Medical Center on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, just days before his 69th birthday. He was born July 30, 1943 to
Kathryn (Strader-Besch) Potter and the late Robert Besch.

Tom graduated from Appleton High School in 1961, and married Barbara (Hendricks) on January 20, 1968, enjoying many wonderful times over their 44 years together. He truly enjoyed was managing the Appleton Yacht Club, where he made many lasting friendships.

In 2008, he retired from Lyman Richey Sand & Gravel in Omaha, Nebraska, after 14 years, where he was well respected and made many more dear friends. Tom was a good man, a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, and always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He'll always be remembered for his sense of humor and having a ready joke to liven the mood. Golf was his favorite pastime for most of his life, and you will see his hole-in-one plaque on the fifth tee at Reed Municipal Gold Course. He will be truly missed by so many, but never forgotten.
Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter Sarah (Tom Cousland) Besch of Oconomowoc; granddaughters Hailey Jo and Samantha Cousland; his mother, Kathryn Potter; sister Terri (Don) Britten; sister-in-law Susan (Earl) Ahlswede of Neenah; step brother Jim (Marie Ristow) Potter; step sister Trudy (Jerry) Klade of Lakeland, FL; nephews Jason (Casey) Britten and their children Max and Kate, Matt (Melisa) Britten and their children Grace and Elliott, John (Lisa) Ahlswede of Neenah and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Besch; step-father Merrill Potter and parents-in-law Robert and Eunice Hendricks.
In his own words, Tom left the following message: “Thank you to my wife, my daughter Sarah and the rest of my family for everything they've been and done. I love you dearly. Good bye to my friends, past and present. You all meant so much to me. Thank you.”

In accordance with Tom's wishes, there will be no services or memorial. A private family celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

To my brother Tom – Thank you for always being there for me, I am truly going to miss you. We will never be able to finish our bet, but I think I'm going to win this one. You won today with eternal peace! – Terry

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N Superior St
Appleton 739-1231