Francis Besenhard

Francis W. Besenhard, 94, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013 at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. Joseph Donton officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Francis was born March 14, 1918 in Waltham Township, Illinois, to Frank and Emma (Schomas) Besenhard. He married Gertrude Mullen on November 25, 1941 at St. Columba Church. She passed away on December 10, 2005. He was a member of St. Columba Church and he farmed most of his life. He is survived by one son, Gerard (Penny) Besenhard of Ottawa; three daughters, Barbara (Robert) Bowers of Ottawa, Betty (Robert) Walsh of Ottawa, and Deborah (Richard) McClish of Arizona; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gertrude; his sister, Marie Connors; and a grandson, Matthew O'Brien. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church or Marquette Academy.