Gordon Francis Beste

Gordon Francis Beste, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Knowlton on September 3, 2025.

Gordon was born February 5, 1929. His parents were Gordon and Hertha (Graebert) Beste. Gordon attended college for 2 years at Stout where he pursued a degree in industrial arts. On September 2,1950, he married June Schultz of Wausau. They had two children together, Mary and Barbara. Two months after they were married, he was drafted into the United States Army and was subsequently sent to war in Korea, where he honorably fought for his country.

Gordon returned home to immediately start mortuary school in Milwaukee. After mortuary school, he returned to Mosinee where he joined his father at the family business, Beste Funeral Home and Furniture. June preceded him in death on July 19,1954, at 23 years old. Gordon married Ann Ziegler of Wisconsin Rapids, on August 27, 1955. They had four children together, Jean, Karen, Curtis and Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by Ann on October 26,2024, after 69 years of marriage. He was widely known as a skilled Mortician and Funeral Director. Gordon was a member of St Paul’s parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Gordon was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Yannucci, his sister, Priscilla Dupuis, sons- in-law, Jeffrey Bishop and John Yannucci, his brothers- in- law, Jerome Dupuis, Phillip Ziegler, Peter Ziegler and William Pavloski and one grandchild, Rebecca Bishop Adams.

He is survived by his children, Mary Bishop, Scottsdale AZ, Barbara Wellens (Terry), Greenleaf WI, Jean Deaton, Long Beach CA, Curtis (Maria), Mosinee, Jeffrey (Kellee), Mosinee, two sisters-in-law, Carol Schultz and Mary Pavloski and one brother-in-law, Bill Schultz. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Gordon was an avid deer hunter, and fisherman. His favorite sport was duck hunting. His truck sported a bumper sticker that said,” I do quack”. Woodworking was his passion. He remodeled his home above the funeral home, built a cottage in northern Wisconsin and finished the interior of their new house in Knowlton. He will be fondly remembered as a hard worker who provided his family with wild game, an abundance of fish, and a bounty of vegetables from his garden. He taught his children a good work ethic and a can- do attitude. Every fall was spent watching his beloved Green Bay Packers, often with his kids. One of Gordon’s great loves was food. He would use any excuse to stop for ice cream. He took great pride in making the best old fashioneds in town. He had a sense of humor that he kept until the very end.

The family would like to thank the nurses from Interim Hospice - Wendy, Brittney and Jon -who lovingly cared for him. In addition, we would like to thank Tim Moe, whose guidance and support was truly heaven sent. In addition, we are deeply grateful to Bonnie who sat with our Dad, listened to his stories and gently guided him to his final resting place. We would further like to thank Lynn, Courtney and Jessica for their loving devotion to our Dad. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication ensured he was comfortable to the very end.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. Visitation will be again from 10 a.m. Tuesday until time of services all at the church. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.