Robert (Bob) W. Besch, 71, of Channing Mich., formerly of La Crosse Wis., passed away Friday, February 20, 2015, in Biloxi Miss.

He was born February 13, 1944, in La Crosse to the late Willard "Shorty" and Grace (Schubert) Besch. Bob graduated from Aquinas High School, Class of 1962. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp, joining in 1962, serving in Vietnam and being honorably discharged in 1966.

Bob married Sandra (Wuensch) Smith of Onalaska Wis. and they had three daughters. In 1980, he joined AA and truly lived "one day at a time," and thanked God for everyone. On August 1, 1988, he married Luella "Putsy" (Hart-Walker) Harper. They resided in Iron Mountain Mich. for many years before moving to Channing. He worked as a Pipe Fitter for the Local Union and retired after 39 years.

He was on the board of directors of WBH and he loved the serenity of the woods. Bob taught Putsy to bow hunt, gun hunt and fish. Their autumns were devoted to camping and being outdoors. They moved to Channing in 1989, and "double-handedly" built his dream home on the river, in the woods, with ponds and gardens. There they fed wildlife, having up to 70 deer, 60 turkeys and 11 bears right outside their windows, fishing daily and working the gardens. They also fished annually in Canada. When he couldn't be in the woods, he enjoyed watching the outdoor channels and televised sports. Bob was an avid Packer fan subscribing to the Sunday ticket. He and Putsy also played cut-throat Yahtzee daily.

After retiring, in 2000, Bob and Putsy snow birded in Wildwood, Fla. where they traveled extensively, mostly to casinos and bingo. Wherever they went, Bob made lifelong friends, spreading joy and laughter to everyone. He was a prankster and loved involving others in his jokes - a crazy, lovable, caring man. Bob lived every day to the fullest and helped others to do the same. His greatest joy was his family, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing their accomplishments and activities.

He is survived by his loving wife, Luella; three daughters, Debby (Scott) Skogen, Onalaska, Wis., Terri (Tony ) Torgerud, Atlantic Beach, Fla. and Pam (Dave) Donarski, Onalaska; one step-daughter, Julie (Duane) Osieczonek, Iron Mountain; one step-son, Charles (Angela) Walker, Fredericksburg Va.; one brother, Charles (Veronica) Besch, Overland Park, Kans.; one sister, Diann (Geier) DiDomenico, Maple Grove, Minn; two sisters-in-law, Diane Robinson, Kingsford and Connie (Bill) Beveridge, Escanaba, Mich.; one brother-in-law, Dave (Betty) Hart, Verona, Wis.; thirteen grandchildren, Ben and Annie Skogen, Keith, Cody, Tyler and Teagan Torgerud, Lexi and Macy Donarski, Tadd Marcell, Brandon, Kayla and Christopher Walker, Megan Burgess and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Scott Skogen will officiate.

Please join with us as we celebrate his life and in lieu of flowers bring a story to share. His life was a bouquet.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain to honor Bob’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Bob or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com