Donovan Lee Bessert

Donovan "Don" Lee Bessert, of Brillion, age 81 passed away from complications of colorectal cancer on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

He was born in Brillion January 22, 1934, a son of the late Rudolph and Elaine (Lewis) Bessert. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Brillion High School. He later graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Don was an Army veteran and was stationed in Ft. Huachuca Arizona. He worked with and studied drones while serving at the Army Electronics Proving Grounds.

Many vacations to Mexico were among Don's most loved memories. Friendships with numerous families there continued over the years. Don was one of the founding members of the Wayside Riding Club. He enjoyed working with animals, particularly dogs and horses. He was involved in field trial events throughout the state. Don's love of nature followed him to West Haven where the end of every day was spent watching the geese in the field behind the facility.

Don is survived by his sister Trudi (Matt) Lavey, Chilton, niece Lori (Russ) Hansen, Appleton, nephew Hank (Lori) Horn, Brillion, nephew Christopher (Lois) Propp, Idaho Falls, ID, niece Susan (Tim) Lewis, Appleton, nephew Timothy Propp, Chilton and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly Horn, brother-in-law Henry Horn and niece/Godchild Heidi Horn.

Thanks to all the Pastors of Trinity Lutheran Church, Dr. Christopher Wagner, Dr. Davis, Dr. Goggins, Jill Schabach, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Calumet Medical Center and Chilton Care Center.

Special thanks to the entire Brillion West Haven Staff and Heartland Hospice for the most compassionate and loving care. Don was also grateful to his friends and neighbors who helped him during his illness. To Alfred Miller (friend of 50+ years) and his entire wonderful family, for love and gratitude for being his second family. They enriched Don's life with their many activities and gatherings.

Thanks be to God for the gift of his Son Jesus and for sustaining Don's faith unto death.

Friends may call on Thursday, May, 28, 2015 from 12 Noon to 2 PM at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH (601 E. National Avenue, Brillion). A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow in Brillion Community Cemetery at 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Brillion (at the above address) or New Hope Center, Chilton.