Douglas Nathan Besch

Douglas Nathan Besch, 52 years of age passed away on October 7, 2014. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home in Rush City, Minnesota. Douglas was born May 8, 1962 to Hoyle August Besch and Kathryn Anna O’Shaughnessy in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. When he was 3 years old they moved to South Minneapolis, Minnesota where he met his lifelong friend Mark Heltne, whom he considered to be a brother. Years later he met Lynn Rae Johnson and in their union together his first child, Rachel Marie, was born when he was just 19 years of age. Five years later he met the love of his life, Mari Alice Gafkjen, who he went on to marry on January 21, 1989. During their marriage Douglas and Mari welcomed two sons into the world, Wayne August and Kyle Douglas, and remained married until his passing. Douglas was a great son, husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and friends very much. He lived with years of pain due to an accident earlier in his life, but always showed compassion, love and patience to all he would encounter. He was a person who always wanted to help, even in times where he couldn’t help himself. His selflessness and random acts of kindness were traits that many knew him by and will remember him for. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who were lucky enough to have been graced by his presence during his short 52 years here on Earth. Douglas is survived by his wife Mari, daughter Rachel, soon to be son-in-law Shawn Cochran, sons Wayne and Kyle, honorary daughter Jennifer, grandchildren, brothers-in-law Paul, Mike and Matt, sisters-in-law Mona and Marcy, and nieces and nephew. Douglas is preceded in death by parents Hoyle & Kathryn, step-father Lewis, brother Darrell, sister Linda, father-in-law Merle and mother-in-law Millie. The family would like to give special thanks to Pastor Keith Kolzow and everyone who has helped during this difficult time. Reverend Keith Kolzow will officiate a memorial service for Douglas at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, October 11th at the Calvary Lutheran Church of Rush Point. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the service also at the church. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Lutheran Cemetery. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Douglas Besch of Rush City are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com