Dana Leon Besecker, 92, passed away August 14, 2021 at Timber Creek Assisted Living Facility in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Dana was born on the family farm near Laura, Ohio to Treva Leiter Besecker and Dr. Lester Besecker. Dana and his brother Robert moved west with Lester’s military assignments. In 1939, Lester visited Kaslo, British Columbia and eventually settled there. Dana graduated from Kaslo High School in 1947. It was in Kaslo he met the love of his life, Mary Dawson. Mary’s grandmother lived down the street and they first met when Mary was 12.
After high school, Dana and his brother, Robert attended Gonzaga College in Spokane, Washington. Mary attended Eastern College in Cheney, Washington and the two often got together for social events. They married December 28, 1951, in Okanogan, Washington and moved to Spokane to begin their careers as educators.
Dana not only attended Gonzaga but Whitworth, University of Washington, Washington State, University of Missouri and obtained a Master’s Degree from Fort Wright College.
Dana taught math and science at Freeman High School, Havermale Junior High School and North Central High School. In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, travel, puzzles, collecting recipes and golf.
Survivors include his daughters Kathy Anderson and Elaine Schaub (Jim). Grandchildren Conor (Callie), Melissa (Michael), and Camas. Great-grandchildren Murphy, Liam, and Scarlet. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, three nephews, and his wife Mary of 57 years.
No memorial service is planned.
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