Robert A. Besler, 75, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Mercy One in Dubuque, Iowa.
Friends and relatives of Robert may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be for held Robert at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2019, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Concelebrating will be Rev. Dennis Quint. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Robert was born February 26, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Edwin and Armella (Recker) Besler. He received his education and graduated from St. Paul’s High School, in Worthington, Iowa. On New Year’s Eve, at the Worthington Hall Dance, he met the love of his life, Alice A. Boge. On September 17, 1966, they were united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Farley, Iowa. Together, the couple farmed on the Besler Century Farm. Robert was a devoted farmer and was an avid fan of Oliver tractors. When he wasn’t farming he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren; joking around and making memories. Robert also enjoyed quiet evenings with his wife, watching movies and sharing popcorn.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Parish in Worthington, Iowa. Robert was a veteran, having served in the 389th Engineering Division in the Army Reserves, serving from 1964-1970.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice A. Besler of Worthington, IA; six children, Kathryn (Wayne) Decker of Holy Cross, IA, Robert J. (Jodee) Besler of Hopkinton, IA, Janet (Jason) Hoeger of Manchester, IA, Ronald (Courtney) Besler of Dyersville, IA, Alan (Jill) Besler of Worthington, IA and Steven Besler of Hopkinton, IA; 11 grandchildren, Brian (Taylor) Decker, Becky Decker, Danielle and Jacob Besler, Madelyn and Ellie Hoeger, Hanah Besler, Kaitlyn, Natalie, Addison and Caleb Besler; one sister, Norma Jean Rave of Manchester, IA: one brother, Louis (Janice) Besler of Worthington, IA; sisters-in-law, Monica Besler of Worthington, IA, LouAnn Kozicki and Marilyn (Harry) Bortel both of Green Bay, WI; brothers-in-law, Roger (Mary) Boge and Charles Kluesner, both of Farley, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karen Besler on January 10, 1969, two brothers, Donald Besler and Jerome Besler; one sister, Lila Mae (Joseph) Sperfslage; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Jeanette Boge; brothers-in-law, John Rave and Mike Kozicki; one sister-in-law, Arlene Kluesner.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com