John H. “Jake” Besler, 91, of Dubuque passed away at 10:30 PM at Stonehill Nursing Center Friday, August 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 11 AM until service time at 1 PM, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road with Reverend Jack Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by Dubuque Marine Corps League.

John was born on January 31, 1928 in Dubuque to his parents, Ignatius and Frances Hoffmann Besler. He married the love of his life, Geraldine V. “Geri” Pfeiffer on August 25, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works as an assembler and a machinist for 28 years.

Survivors include three sons, Dale Besler of Dubuque, Steven (Vicki) Besler of Cortland, NY, and Craig (Karla) Besler of Dubuque; two daughters, Lois (Dan) Schultz of Robins, IA, and Vicki Besler of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren; Shawn, Nicole, Josie and Mitchel Besler, Dan “DJ” Schultz, Keri Christensen, Jessica Rosato, Justin Besler, Cory Besler, and Shannon Schoenberger; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ricky, five brothers, William “Bill”, Joe, Louie, Frank, and Leo Besler; six sisters, Gladys Bemis, Lucy Warsek, Katherine “Kay” Polis, Mary Vaske, Matilda McEmeel, and Jean Besler.

A John H. “Jake” Besler memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to give a big thank-you to the entire staff at Stonehill Care Center for their love and support of Jake and also the wonderful staff at the Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com.