Bajram Besimi

Born Jan. 8, 1935 in Nizepole, Macedonia to Nuri and Sevdie (Selmai) Besimi, he married Najde Akifovski on Oct. 4, 1957 in Nizepole.

Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Dashmir (Michelle) Besimi of Pekin; 3 daughters, Nezaet (Vait) Ferati of Huntley, Nurie (Azir)  Dzabiri of Orland Park, and Suzan Besimi of Pekin; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Malik (Selime) Besimi in Australia and Enver Besimi in Macedonia; and 1 sister, Semije Kiazim in Australia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Veji and Feti Besimi; and 1 sister, Vasfije Trnovali.

Bajram came to America in 1961 and became a U.S. citizen in 1966.

Since 1987, Papa had been the co-owner and operator of the Koch Street Bar and Grill in Pekin.  Previously, he had worked 12 years for the Dictaphone Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut and 12 years for the Danley Machine Company in Chicago.

In his younger days, he enjoyed playing soccer.  More recently, he was a loving and devoted grandfather, who also loved professional wrestling and debating politics.

His funeral will be at noon Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Imam Lulzim Musaj will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.