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In memory of

Michael John Bessler

Xenia, OH, USA

March 8, 1940 - December 27, 2020

Mar 8, 1940 - Dec 27, 2020

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After several weeks of battling Covid-19, Michael “Mike” John Bessler passed away at the age of 80 at the Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, OH with his daughter Michelle at his side. Mike is a beloved husband, father, and grandfather—affectionally known by his grandchildren as Pap Pap.

Mike was born on March 8, 1940 in Manhattan, NY and grew up in Bronx, NY. With the city as their backdrop, Mike and his childhood friends spent time aimlessly playing in vacant city lots, street ball, and being mindful of the busy city cars. As a teenager, Mike worked at the movie theater laying the foundation for his love and appreciation of movies.

When Mike was 21 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a four-year tour. When stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio Mike was introduced to his future wife, Margaret “Peg” Ferguson and swept her off her feet with his dancing skills and ability to “cut a rug.” Mike was subsequently stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and exchanged love letters with Peg. Mike and Peg married on April 24, 1965.

Mike and Peg settled in the Washington DC area where they grew their family and raised their 2 daughters. Mike honorably concluded his service with the USAF at Andrews Air Force Base, and continued to serve the public for the majority of his career at the United States House of Representatives as the Chief Publications Clerk with the Office of Official Reporters under the Clerk of the House. He retired on July 30, 2004 after 23 years of distinguished service which is commemorated by Senator Steny Hoyer in the official Congressional Record on July 22, 2004.

Throughout his life, Mike made many friends during his time living in Bronx, NY; Washington, DC area; Vancouver, WA; and Xenia, OH. Mike was naturally curious and enjoyed sharing tidbits of knowledge, making conversations fun and engaging. Being curious, Mike was also an avid reader enjoying historical fiction and intriguing mysteries. Mike’s family and friends will miss his kindness and sense of humor that would make you laugh out loud.

Mike is preceded in death by both his parents, Casper Bessler and Josephine (Raineri) Bessler, and his sister, Marie Bessler. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Margaret Bessler of Xenia Ohio; his two daughters, Michelle Lauch of Fredericksburg, VA and Kelly Akowskey of LaCenter, WA; his four grandchildren Erica, Ezra, Zoe, and Holly; and his great grandchildren Roman, Oliver, and a new little one due February 2021.

A viewing will be held on January 4, 2021, between 10:30am and 11:00am at the McColaugh Funeral Home, Xenia, and he will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia.

Mike’s family is very thankful for the loving care he received from his nurses during this difficult and complex time. Not only did they minister to Mike, but they also ministered to Peg and his daughters throughout this emotional process providing much needed comfort when so many of us are suffering alone. As a way to thank them, in lieu of flowers, Mike’s family would like to request donations be made to the Ferguson Memorial which provides scholarships each year to those studying to be a nurse. Donations may be made to the Greene County Community Foundation, 941 W 2nd Street, Xenia, OH 45385. Please note that the donation is for Ferguson Memorial Scholarship.

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