Irene Ruth Besser

It is with heavy hearts but joyful celebration that we announce the passing of our mother (Irene Ruth Besser) (Nee Block).  She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 98.

Mom was born on August 16, 1926, at Boulton, Mb to Charlotte Frier.  She grew up in Grass River on the Block family farm.  After finishing school mom worked for a brief time in Winnipeg and came back to Grass River when her mother became sick.  She met Edward Besser at church, and they were married on October 17, 1946.  They were blessed with five children which they raised on the Besser family farm and remained there till 1999.  In 1999 they moved to Plumas.  After Dad’s passing, Mom moved to the Village View Lodge in Plumas and remained there till 2018 when she moved to Country Meadows in Neepawa.

Mom loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.   They brightened her days more than anyone knew, and she was always proud to talk about them. 

Mom and Dad worked hard at farming to provide for their family.  Mom always had a big garden, preserved food for the winter and their door and table were open to all including hunters, all who worked on the farm and many large family dinners.

Mom also loved flower gardens and was well known for the brides coming for bouquets of gladiolas for their wedding as well as lilies which she would enter in the Lily Festival in Neepawa.  Mom had a strong faith and was always very involved in her church.  She taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School for many years.  Mom was also a member of LWML-C.  She served on the International Board of Directors in various positions of LWML-C.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Edward, her parents Rudolph and Charlotte Block, and her brothers Richard and Ernie Block, as well as sisters in law and brothers in law.

Mom is survived by her children Melford Besser, Arlene (Glen) Wall, Deborah (Robert) Kitlar, Dale (Wendy) Besser and Howard (Jannette) Besser; her 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews.  Mom also leaves to mourn members of the Kleebaum family who she got to know and love in her later years.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 7pm at Clarke’s Funeral Home in Gladstone.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10 am at the Zion Lutheran Church in Plumas.

The family would like to express their thanks for the exceptional care at Country Meadows Care Home, as well as the wonderful spiritual care provided to Mom and her family by Reverend James Vosper.

Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, Box 278 Plumas, Mb.  R0J 1P0 or to a charity of your choice.

This service will be video recorded and available on September 20, 2024.