As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Dollar Bay – Dr. Leonard W. Beesley, 79, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a well-known area dentist, passed away peacefully Tuesday,
November 18, 2025, at Canal View — Houghton County, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born on July 24, 1946, in Hancock, MI, son of the late Richard and Joyce (Elmblad) Beesley. Leonard was raised in the Chicago Suburbs and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School before attending Michigan Technological University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended the University of Illinois Dental School where he received his DDS.
On June 21, 1969, he was united in marriage to Susan Rose; with their most recent anniversary celebrating 56 years. Upon graduating from Dental School, the couple returned to make their home in the Copper Country. Dr. Beesley began his dental career in Lake Linden, MI. He purchased his own practice, moved it to Hancock and operated his dental practice for 52 years, retiring in 2023. He always prided himself on trying to provide the best care possible for each of his patients throughout the years. He truly cared about each and every one of his patients.
Dr. Beesley was active professionally with the Copper Country Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. He was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was an avid boater and cherished time on his boat exploring Lake Superior or just spending time at the Houghton County marina, talking withand helping other boaters. He was an explorer at heart and loved to travel and experience new places. He also loved the outdoors, and when he wasn’t working on something (he could fix just about anything), he could be found in the woods with family or friends snowmobiling or UTV’ing.
He loved his family and when they were involved in something, he’d throw himself into their endeavours wholeheartedly. He was his daughters’ biggest fan and supported them in everything they did. Sometimes he even found himself with a new hobby based on his daughters’ interests. His family knows how much he loved them and he will be remembered as a generous soul who worked hard and played hard. He truly lived life to the fullest and taught them many important things about living a life full of curiosity, generosity, loyalty, hard work and dedication.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his mother and father-in-law, and granddaughter Allie Carter.
Surviving are: his wife, Susan Beesley. His daughters, Chrissy (Dirk) Tachick & Kathy (Jason) Carter. His grandchildren, Gavin, Kenzie, & Payton. His brother & sisters, Chuck (Theresa) Beesley, Janet (Tom) Vladika, Mary (Fred) Gay and Tammy (John) Carroll; His brother-in-law, Jim (Patty) Rose, his sister-in-law, Mary Rose and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered through the many stories we will continue to share about Grandpa Len; his most treasured title.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Canal View – Houghton Country and Aspirus Keweenaw Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care. The family also extends their heartfelt thanks to all the friends, family and neighbours who have shown so much kindness and support.
A private celebration of Dr. Beesley’s life will be held at a later time.
To view Dr. Beesley’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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