Edward Howard Bessler
October 17th, 1934 - August 4th, 2020
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Edward's Obituary
Edward Howard Bessler, 85, of Marshall, peacefully passed away on August 4, 2020. He was born October 17, 1934 to Adam Edward and Jane (Dixon) Bessler in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Miami of Ohio and Kent State University and after his career he furthered his education during retirement with classes from Kellogg Community College. Ed met Beverly Beth Rogers at Kent State University, and they were married on August 15, 1959 in Loraine, Ohio.
Ed worked at Bond Supply in Kalamazoo for many years, and following this he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming an author when he wrote a book titled, A Smile for Billy, which was published in 2008. More recently he was a contributing writer of From Ed’s Head, a recurring collection of short stories printed in the Marshall Advisor & Chronicle. Every December you could find Ed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. He loved to act and had numerous roles in local Marshall community theatre.
Perhaps Ed’s greatest joy was being the father of three active girls and six loving grandchildren. Whether it was horses, 4H, Marshall Singers, choir, concerts or swim meets, Ed was always there for his daughters. And that dedication carried on to his grandkids where he was a beloved play and fishing partner and attended hundreds of horse shows, soccer, hockey, football and lacrosse games as well as other activities in Illinois, Michigan and Georgia.
Ed and his wife Beverly were active members in the choir at Marshall United Methodist Church for more than 20 years. Ed is survived by his wife Beverly; daughters Lori (Rick) Hill of Gurnee, IL, Suzanne (Scott) Hodoval of Lawrenceville, GA, and Amy (Walter) Wilkins of Lansing, MI; grandchildren R.J. and Brock Hill, Haley and Bradley Hodoval, and Mitchell and Grant Wilkins.
When Will We Know
By Edward Bessler
When will we know when it’s time to go?
A tap on the shoulder.
A soft voice says, it’s time.
A breath is staggered.
A beat is taken.
A thought is forgotten.
A feeling is gone.
A vision is just a stare.
A glance, it’s not there.
A touch is final.
A voice not heard.
A light is approaching.
We truly never know.
When God says, “it’s time to go.”
Due to COVID restrictions, a private family memorial service will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Saturday, August 22 at 11A.M. Visit the Marshall United Methodist Facebook page to access the link. Friends are encouraged to wear golf attire in Ed’s honor and join the family for a reception that same day beginning at 12:30 P.M at Cornwell's Turkeyville, 18935 151/2 Mile Rd. Marshall, Mi 49068. Special thanks to MediLodge of Marshall and Oaklawn Hospice for their support in Ed’s final days. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fountain Clinic, 111 N. Jefferson St., Marshall, MI 49068. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guidebook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven, 269-637-0333.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.