Loyd C. Beesecker

Loyd C. Beesecker, age 91, of Lancaster, died on Monday, May 9, 2011, at his home in Lancaster. He was born on December 25, 1919, in Crawford County, the son of Jack and Nina (Gruel) Beesecker. Loyd formed a band in the 1930s and played in the Prairie du Chien area. He farmed the family farm near Wauzeka. On June 20, 1942, he was united in marriage to Gertrude Martin. To this union, ten children were born. Gertrude preceded Loyd in death in November of 1989. He was employed with John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works for twenty-five years. Loyd later married Velma (Lister) Willimack on January 5, 1991, at St. Pauls United Church of Christ at Liberty. They resided in rural Beetown and relocated to Lancaster in 1997. Loyd enjoyed attending auctions, metal detecting, coin collection, hunting, fishing and music.

Survivors include his wife, Velma Beesecker; children: Loyd F. JR (Jo) Beesecker; John Beesecker; Rick Beesecker; Terrie (Jim) Parkins; Edward Butch (Paula) Beesecker; Laurie (Ron) Adrian; Mike Beesecker; Shawn (Brian) Mumm,; twenty-six grandchildren; forty-seven great-grandchildren; fifteen great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sue Beesecker; son-in-law, Jerry Horkheimer; step-children: Lewis (Betty) Willimack; Richard Willimack; Sue (Myke) Wunderlin;

In addition to his parents and his wife Gertrude, Loyd was preceded in death by a son, Robert Beesecker, daughter, Rosemary Beesecker Horkheimer; grandsons: Scott Robert Beesecker, Ronnie Adrian, Jr., Joseph Adrian, and Dusti Wunderlin; and a great-granddaughter, Jade Horkheimer.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with John Cathman officiating. Burial was in Wauzeka Cemetery, Wauzeka. Family and friends called on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.