William Besse

STERLING – Mr. William Snyder Besse, 90, died August 15, 2015 at Freeport Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born in Erie, June 4, 1925, son of John Henry and Lois (Snyder) Besse. He married Lois Buerkman in 1960 in Rock Island, she preceded him in death on September 2, 2013. After graduating from high school he farmed in Fenton for 10 years, and during this time he led both the Fenton Invincibles 4-H Club and FFA. In 1954, Bill accepted a position with Ford Tractor Company working with dealers in sales and management in northern Illinois. He was owner and manager of the Besse Farm Store Inc. (John Deere implement dealership) for 22 years in Polo. During this period, Bill served on the Illinois Farm Equipment Association Board for 5 years and as its State President in 1983. In 1999 Bill accepted management of Polo Equipment Co., a Case IH dealership in Polo, owned by Prophetstown Equipment Co., Prophetstown. After his retirement from Polo Equipment he spent his time still working with farmers selling farms, homes and commercial real estate property with Don Rosengren and daughters. Bill was active in the First Presbyterian Church serving on the session, Deacons and teaching Sunday school class, and organized the spaghetti dinner for the church for many years. Survivors include two stepsons; Steve (Laura) Matteson of Sugar Grove, and Gary (Denise) Matteson of Davenport, IA; one daughter in-law; Lora Besse of Freeport; five grandchildren Thurlow Matteson, Erich Matteson, Kimberly Burnett, Tyler Besse, and Casandra Besse; seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother John Besse Jr.; one sister Ruth Ann Perkins; and his son Scott Besse. Funeral services will be held at 3p.m. on Thursday August 20, 2015, at Schilling Funeral Home, in Sterling with Reverend Ralph Taylor officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-3p.m. prior to the funeral service. Cremation rites will be accorded, after the services and burial will take place at 11a.m, Monday August 24, at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com