Obituary of Lois Besse

Sterling- Lois Elaine (Buerkman-Matteson) Besse passed away on Sept 2, 2013. Lois was born on December 12, 1925 in Moline, the daughter of Elsie Madaline (Dowling) Buerkman and Carl Allen Buerkman. Lois married 1st Lieutenant Thurlow W. Matteson of the U.S. Army in December, 1945 in Davenport IA. He preceded her in death on April 27th, 1957. She then married William S. Besse of Fenton, IL on August 13, 1960, in Rock Island. Lois was employed by the H.J. Heinz Company of Rock Island for a number of years, and later for the Merchants Credit Bureau, also in Rock Island. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, where she served as Deacon. Survivors include her three sons Steven (Laura) Matteson of Sugar Grove, Gary (Denise) Matteson of Davenport, and Scott W. (Lora) Besse, of Freeport; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 AM, September 5, 2013 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with Reverend Dr. Paul Perkins, nephew of Lois, officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11:00AM, prior to the services at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by Ron Burkman. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.