Mary Kathryn Beschen

She entered this world August 17, 1932, in Bellevue, IA, joining the family of Wilfred and Hilda Till. She was the eldest of five siblings, Buddy Till, Marlene Hilgendorf, Darla Krause, Jerry Till, and Linda Bednarz. Although the family farmed until Mary was 18, they also started two businesses during her high school years. One was Till’s Cash and Carry in Bellevue and the other, Till’s Garage, which still exists today. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1950.

While she worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Bellevue Memorial Hospital, she met Raymond J. Beschen, who had just returned from his tour in the Korean Conflict with pneumonia. As she recalled, when she entered his room she told him he was “her first victim,” but he turned out to be the love of her life. They married April 10, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.

Mary and Ray were blessed with 5 children, Kathy (Jim) Bauerly, Joe (Deb) Beschen, Shirley (Stan) Hachmann, Jon (Jen Gallagher) Beschen, and Tom (Karin) Beschen. They also enjoyed 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, and especially loved attending as many of the grandchildren’s activities as possible, whenever and wherever they were performing.

They retired to Dubuque in 1994. They were active in the Old House Enthusiasts Club and volunteered at the Grand Opera House and Bell Tower Theater. Mary also enjoyed socializing with the friends she made at the YMCA. Ray passed away in 2013.

Mary was known for her great cooking and knitting talents. Her cherry bars were always a favorite. She sole-handedly transformed miles and miles of yarn into afghans and Christmas tree skirts. Her gigantic Christmas stockings, which took many weeks to complete, were highly coveted works of art. Friends and family will always treasure her labors of love, along with fond memories of Mary.