Elsie Bestge, 94

Elsie Bestge, 94, Willmar, died Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar.

Elsie was born May 14, 1918, in Clara City, the daughter of Ben and Minnie (Goeman) Asche. She grew up on a farm and attended country school. Following her schooling, Elsie continued to help on her parents’ farm and also did housework for other families.

On June 12, 1941, she was united in marriage to Joe Bestge at her parents’ farm. They lived on a different farm for a couple of years before moving to their farm in Wood’s Township in Chippewa County where they farmed for the next 44 years and were members of Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Following Joe’s death in 1987, Elsie moved to Willmar. Since moving to Willmar, she was a member of First Reformed Church. Her quiet and steady faith was an example to many.

Her love for her family was never ending and they cherished all the time she was able to spend with them. A visit with Elsie always included a sweet treat delivered with a smile. Elsie enjoyed staying busy with her gardening, and later learned to paint in her 80s and embroider in her 90s. Her hands were never idle. She enjoyed taking her projects to the Kandiyohi County Fair, where she entered and won many ribbons for her paintings and flowers. She and Joe also enjoyed many trips to Arizona and after Joe’s death, Elsie was always thankful for the traveling she was able to do with her family.

Surviving are her sons, Dennis (and Shirley) Bestge of Alexandria; Kenneth (and Peggy) Bestge of Willmar; five grandchildren, Paula (and Jeff) Klein, Brian (and Molly) Bestge, Stacey (and Chris) Gadient, Chrissy (and Andy) Forsell, Jessica (and Adrian) Schoumaker; seven great-grandchildren, Samuel and Mara Bestge, Zack and James Patrick Gadient and Kalli, Kori and Brody Forsell. Also surviving is her brother, Bruno Asche of Clara City.

Besides her husband, Joe, she was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, John B. and Henry Asche.

Her funeral was held Tuesday, July 24, at First Reformed Church in Willmar. Burial was at Bethany Reformed Cemetery in Clara City.

Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

A00009B2012JL25

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions