Dorene Mae Biesemeier

Dorene Mae (Jacobson) Biesemeier, 87, of Golden, CO, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026 in Palm Desert, CA. Born on the family homestead to Harold and Olga Jacobson on January 16, 1939 in Crosby, ND, Dorene was the 2nd child of 5 children. Ronnie (DiAnn) Jacobson, Marlys (Wally) Rustad, Clarise Jacobson, and Byron (Glenda) Jacobson. Dorene lived a life marked by grace, glamour, musical talent, resilience, and deep love for those around her.

Dorene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Gary Wayne Biesemeier, who passed away on March 8, 2026. Together they shared many cherished years together. She was also preceded in death by both of her parents and siblings Marlys, Clarise, and Byron.

She is survived by her children, Jay (Wendy) Biesemeier and Jamie (John) Wilkins, as well as four treasured grandchildren (Jordyn, Johnathan “Quentin”, Jillian, and Samantha) who brought her immense joy and pride. She is also survived by her brother Ronnie.

Dorene attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. However, her best friend ended up convincing her to leave college and move to Denver with her. To her parents’ dismay and against her better judgement, off she went to the big city where it actually ended up being the best decision of her life. She quickly began her career in Denver as a secretary for an aerospace company called The Martin Company (now Lockheed Martin). Her professional skills, vibrant personality, poise, and beauty led her to being nominated by company personnel to enter the annual company picnic beauty pageant held at Lakeside Amusement Park in 1959. With over 8,000 employees and their families in attendance, Dorene was crowned “Miss Martin”. It was her beauty queen picture in The Rocky Mountain News that caught Gary’s attention. During her year as Miss Martin, she was given high level clearance and attended rocket launches and various charity events representing The Martin Company (Denver). She later became a highly respected legal secretary and was widely known throughout the Denver area for being one of the fastest typists in the profession.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dorene possessed extraordinary musical talent and a lifelong love of performance. She loved singing and playing the piano and appeared in several Denver-area operas and musical productions during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including Annie Get Your Gun and The Merry Widow. Her beautiful voice, stage presence, and love of music brought joy to many and remained an important part of who she was throughout her life. On nearly every trip back to the family home in Crosby, the siblings would crowd around the piano to play and sing together.

After marrying Gary in 1961, they later adopted both of their children. Dorene and Gary kept a full life raising children who played several sports, taking fabulous family and couples’ trips, hosting countless parties for friends and family, and of course playing golf. Dorene started golfing in her mid 30’s, and eventually found herself with 3 holes in one! Most famously at Pebble Beach on the iconic hole - #7. They also spent over 40 years vacationing and wintering on The Big Island in Kona, HI.

In March 2002, Dorene made the courageous decision to embrace a life of sobriety — a choice that gave her what she often described as a second chance in life. Through her strength, honesty, humor, and compassion, she became a mentor and inspiration to many others walking the same path. Within the recovery community in Kailua-Kona, HI Dorene became something of an icon — a beloved and larger-than-life presence whose encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support touched an immeasurable amount of lives.

Dorene will be remembered for her elegance, warmth, quick wit, strong will, remarkable talents, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the music she shared, and the lives she uplifted.

A combined celebration for both Dorene and Gary will be shared in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in honor of Dorene’s 24 yearlong commitment to recovery, healing, and helping others. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, PO Box 860970, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0970 www.hazeldenbettyford.org/ways-to-give