Genevieve “Gen” Besser, age 90, of Wells, MN, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024 at her home. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4;00pm-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN and will continue one hour prior to the service from 9:30am-10:30am at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells at 10:30 on Friday, July 26, 2024 with Father Pratap Reddy Salibindla officiating. Burial will be held at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers please donate to the Wells Depot Museum or Interfaith Caregivers.
Genevieve was born December 5, 1933 on a farm near Mapleton to Lawrence and Gertrude (Gartner) Minkel. She grew up on the farm and attended country school district 34 through sixth grade and then went to Mapleton High School, graduating in 1951. Gen married James Besser on June 11, 1952, her loving husband of 41 years. Gen and James owned and operated Besser’s Superette.
Gen worked at the Pines Grill Restaurant, the Pines Ballroom, and the Golden Bubble Ballroom. She independently sold Avon for over 70 years and managed the Wells Golf Club for 35 years. Gen was a member of the Wells American Legion and V.F.W Auxiliary. She served as President of the American Legion. Gen was a member of Wells Chamber of Commerce and served as executive secretary for many years. She was the Grand Marshal of the Kernel Day’s parade in 1990. She was volunteer of the year in 2000 for the Chamber of Commerce. Gen was a member of the Wells Historical Society and St. Casimir’s Church. She was a circle chairman at the church. Gen was an active member of the Wells Jaycees. She was instrumental to the Red Cross Bloodmobile as she was chairperson for more than 50 years.
Gen is preceded in death by James Besser, her son Douglas Besser, and her parents.
Gen is survived by children Gary and Val (Stensrud) Besser, New Ulm, Jeff and Denise (Thisius) Besser, Savage, and Patricia Besser, Chanhassen, daughter-in-law Karen Besser, Raleigh NC, along with 10 grandchildren, Matt Besser, Steven (Rae) Besser, Dan (Adrienne) Besser, John (Brittney) Besser; Nick (Kathy) Besser, Chad (Kelly) Besser, Megan (Kyle) Krecklow; Justin (Tori) Besser, Tyler Besser, and Chandler Besser; along with 14 great grandchildren.
Gen shared her time and talents with many organizations. Her generosity to the Wells community has been well known. May she rest in peace. Our sympathies to her entire family.
Sincere Sympathy to Gen’s Family. Lots of GREAT MEMORIES with the American Legion Auxiliary. 🇺🇸 Norma Kauffmann started her in Avon so many years ago. She was everyone’s Avon Lady. 💖 Together again 💕
Although we only lived in Wells for 9 years we always enjoyed being around Gen. She was kind and pleasant and always added something to whatever meeting or gathering she was at. We have fond memories of her at the Golf Club. We pray that her family will find comfort as they grieve her loss.
Sincere sympathies to the families. Gen was one of a kind & I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile.
I’m sure Doug is happy to have her in Heaven.
As we would always say to each other whenever we met up…”One more time!”
Rest in peace, Gen.🙏🏻
Sympathies being sent to all of you! Gen and mom were great friends and she will be missed by many!!
Sending prayers of comfort to all of Gen’s family. Always a smirky smile. So enjoyed visiting with her. Rest in peace Gen. Sue and Donnie Grunzke
Condolences to Jeff & the whole Besser family. Your Mom will be missed by the community that she was always so involved with.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Mary & Randy Jacobsen
Gen could be counted on
Gen could be counted on if she was involved . she spent many years as. Char for the blood drive in Wells..my sympathy to the family
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Besser family. Gen’s life was well lived! May your memories bring you comfort & peace.
John & Sue Vee
My deepest sympathies to the Besser family. Gen was such a kind lady and I have many fond memories of her at the golf course! Jessi Yonkovich
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. Gen was a very dedicated, caring person who shared her time and talents in many ways. She was truly a good and faithful servant. Thinking of you all as you go through this difficult time.
My Deepest Sympathy to the entire Besser family. I always admired how dedicated she was for the betterment of the community. She will be truly missed.