LeRoy Besel

LeRoy Besel, 83, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Horizon Hospice Home with family members by his side. He was born June 18, 1928 in Farmer, Washington to George and Elizabeth (Fox) Besel. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church on July 15, 1928 in Farmer, Washington, and confirmed April 2, 1944 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Laurel, Montana. LeRoy's family moved to Billings, Montana in 1937 from Farmer, Washington. He attended Allendale Elementary School through the 8th grade, and then stayed home to help his ailing father with the family farm. He later served as a member on the Allendale School Board, and participated in the construction of the new Allendale Elementary School in the late 1950's. LeRoy was married to Gladys Rupp in 1952 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Laurel, Montana. During the time in Laurel he farmed, had a feedlot, and raised registered Angus Cattle. He was voted Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year by the Laurel Jaycees. LeRoy and Gladys sold the farm in Laurel, and relocated to Red Lodge and Luther. They purchased a ranch and continued to raise Angus Cattle. LeRoy was a member of the American Angus Association. After a few years, LeRoy had a longing for farming, and started faming again in Belfry, Montana, and later Forsyth, Montana. He was recognized as an Honorary Chapter Farmer from the Forsyth FFA Chapter. He then retired and moved to Billings. During retirement LeRoy enjoyed woodworking, gardening, raising his flowers, watching rodeo on television, spending time with family, and reading his daily devotions. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Lydia Linderman, Esther Wagner and Betty Mohr; his brothers Herman, Reuben and Jack Besel; his sister in-law Helen Besel; brothers-in-law George Kammerzell, Dave Wagner and John Mohr; daughter Kathy Sarrazin; and grandson Andy Stringari. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Gladys Besel; two daughters Debbie (Doug) Stringari of Belfry, Shirley (Darwin) Sept of Shepherd; two sons Raymond (Jean) Besel of Lewistown and Bob Besel of Buffalo, Wyoming; son in-law Richard Sarrazin; sister Clara Kammerzell; sisters-in-law Mary and Donna Besel; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Service: Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Lockwood. Interment will be in the Laurel Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the Union Hall in Laurel. Memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church in Lockwood, 1911 US Hwy 87 E, Billings, MT 59101; Alzheimer's Association, 3010 11th Ave., Billings, MT 59101; or RiverStone Hospice, PO Box 1562, Billings, MT 59103.