James Biesen

James (Jim) Biesen, August 16, 1945-February 13, 2020. He is a graduate of Hammond High School. In 1966 he married Linda Donovan and had three children. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving 4 years in the US Navy. After the war, he lived in Woodmar, IN, then moved to Schererville, IN where he resided for 45 years. He worked for Inland Steel after his military service and retired from there after a life long career. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph in 2001. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Biesen and Robert and Mary Lou Kieswetter; his wife, Linda Biesen (Donovan), of 29 years; and granddaughter, Anastasia McConnell. He leaves behind his children and sons-in-law: Patricia Biesen of St. Francis, WI, Jamie and Clay McConnell of Cedarburg, WI, and Katharine and Steve Loper of Lowell, IN; Grandchildren: Isaac, Luann, Gianna, Callista and Charis McConnell; His sister and brother-in-law: Marilyn and Jeff Haack of North Judson, IN; and his niece and nephew: Amanda and Ryan Haack. Jim was a passionate collector of all things automotive. He frequented local race tracks,hobby shops, swap meets and vintage car shows. He also loved country music, U.S. History, old time radio shows, books and the Lord. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. DIRECTLY at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1 W. Wilhelm St., Schererville, IN with Rev. Martin Dobrzynski officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Christian Wake Service 3:00 p.m.) at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN.