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As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:
Lake Linden: Robert Earl Bessonen, also known as “Bear,” age 67, of Lake Linden, passed away at his home on November 5, 2024.
He was born on September 17, 1957 in Dearborn, Michigan, a son of Earl and Eva (Tiri) Bessonen. He graduated from Redford Thurston High School in 1975. In 1982, he graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry. He was employed by the Houghton County Road Commission, retiring on September 27, 2012.
Robert was married to Sherri Lee Normand on September 24, 1983 at National Lutheran Church in Calumet. He was married to his loving wife for 41 years.
Robert was a member of the Masons Lodge F&M 135, and a former Shriner and former member of the Scottish Rite.
He was an avid Lion, Red Wing, and Tiger Fan. He was a great baseball player in his youth and was known to hit homers. He enjoyed coaching his kids in softball, baseball, and hockey. He liked family gatherings at the camp at Big Traverse Bay and fishing on Lake Superior. He had made nicknames for his close acquaintances. His bond with his brothers was strong and they enjoyed daily calls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister- Cheryl Swies.
He is survived by: his wife-Sherri; he was the proud father of 3 children-Kerri (James) Sullivan of Rochester, MN, Kelli (Steve) Bashynski of Arbor Vitae, WI, and Kurt (Erin) Bessonen of Eyota, MN; very proud “Grandpa Bear” to his 7 grandchildren-Gwen and Eli Sullivan, Beau, Lyndin, and Birdee Bashynski, and Lillian and Owen Bessonen; brothers-David (Cynthia) of Santa Rosa, CA and John (Kari) Bessonen; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Public Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden. The private graveside will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet.
Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com
