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ESCANABA -- Florence Irene Bessonen, age 87, of Escanaba, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was defined by an unwavering dedication to family, faith, education, and community service.
Florence was a lifelong learner and educator. After graduating from Baraga Township High School on May 31, 1956, she continued her education at Northern Michigan University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 1961 and her Master of Arts degree in 1966.
Her career in education began with Grand Rapids Public Schools, where she worked as a business teacher and served as a supervising teacher for Ferris State College from 1961 to 1964. On July 18, 1964, she married her beloved husband, Elmer "Bud" Bessonen, and on May 7th, 1968 they welcomed their son Erik Bessonen. She later taught business and geography for Gladstone Public Schools, and continued her passion for teaching part-time with Bay College in business and adult education, as well as serving as a dedicated substitute teacher.
Education was more than Florence’s profession, it was one of the many ways she gave back. She held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including the Grand Rapids Business Teachers Association and the Upper Peninsula Business Education Association. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for women teachers and was recognized nationally among the Outstanding Young Women in America.
Florence’s deep faith guided her daily life. As a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church, she was actively involved in the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELCA), the Bethany Gems Circle, Bible study, and the church’s Free Store. Her leadership extended widely, serving as a district chairperson for Lutheran Church Women and as a delegate to the National Lutheran Church Convention in 1976 as well as serving on numerous committees at the local, district, and synod levels.
She was preceded in death by husband, Elmer "Bud" Bessonen, who passed away on December 1, 2022; parents, Wesley and Lempi Myllyla; mother- and father-in-law, Agnes and Elmer Bessonen; brothers, Kenneth, Melvin, Dennis Myllyla; and sister, June Schaefer.
Florence is survived by a loving family: son, Erik (Kim) Bessonen; granddaughter, Rachel (Ben) Stier; grandson, David (Alexis) Laughbaum; great-grandsons, Enzo Broadnax and Russell Laughbaum; sisters-in-law, Rose Myllyla and Nancy Myllyla; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Florence’s life and funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on Monday, August 24, 2026 with visitation starting at 2:30 PM, service at 4:00 PM, and a meal to follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church elevator update fund, a cause close to Florence’s heart. Her legacy of love, faith, learning, and service will live on in the generations she leaves behind.
