Leo Joseph Besaw

Age 97, passed away Monday, October 24, 2022, at Majestic Care of Flushing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday, October 31, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning to officiate, with burial to follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Davison. Leo’s family will be present to receive friends from 10:30 am, until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Leo’s tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.

Leo was born in Alpena on September 9, 1925. As a young man, Leo enlisted in the military, served in the United States Navy, and was a proud WWII veteran. He was married to Dorothy Patrick, and together they had three children: David, Susie, and Barry. Leo spent his career as a meat cutter at Hamady Brothers for over 30 years. Leo enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie formed from his participation in the Knights of Columbus, Forty and Eight, VFW, Eagles, Moose, and many more. He loved to stop at the Peppermint Lounge, where he knew everybody, and everybody knew him. During the winter, Leo spent his retirement days enjoying his home in Florida with his life partner, Annie Kurtz. In the summer, they would travel to Michigan to spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them grow.

Left to cherish Leo’s memory are his children: David (Vicki) Besaw, and Susie (Gene) Ridley; grandchildren: Tamara (Brian) Schultz, Jeffrey (Rachel) Ridley, Amy (Mark) Blasius; great-grandchildren: Julia Felton, Liam Ridley, Evan Ridley, Charlotte Ridley, Rocco Blasius, Lyla Blasius; brother, Alfred (Diane) Besaw; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, Barry; brothers: Joseph, Lloyd, Don, and Frank; sister, Betty; and life partner, Annie.