Pearl Besser

Pearl E. (Clark) Besser, age 91, of Sauk Centre died Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2004 at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. R.E. Bloemker officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m.

Pearl Besser was born June 5, 1912 in Raymond, Minnesota to Samuel and Alta (Somerville) Clark. She was a graduate of Sauk Centre High School and Normal School of Teaching. Pearl taught for 2 years in a rural school. She married Henry W. Besser on May 26, 1934 in St. Paul, Minnesota. They farmed in Sauk Centre and Ashley Townships until they retired in 1971. They moved to Sauk Centre in 1981. She was a resident of Lakeshore Estates and St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre. Pearl was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, which she served various offices; taught Sunday school; and was a charter member of, and held various positions in Ashley Township Homemakers Group. She loved flowers, gardening, homemaking, and enjoyed music and playing the piano.

She is survived by her children, Orville Besser (Gladys) of Kerkhoven, Clara Pesola of St. Michael and Alan Besser of Sauk Centre; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and brother, Earl Clark (LaVonne) of Alexandria, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Besser on Dec. 17, 1987 and sister, Grace Volkmann in 1940.

Casket bearers will be Gregory, Mark and Michael Pesola, John and Richard Besser and Jack Chowen. Honorary Bearers will be William Besser, Charles Newborg and her great-grandchildren.

Memorials are preferred.