Gretchen L. Bedessem

PORTAGE  --  Gretchen L. Bedessem, age 93, of Portage, died on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena.

Private graveside services will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

Gretchen was born on May 14, 1915 in Cashton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Roger and Mabel (Martin) Evans.  She was married on July 18, 1936 to LeRoy Bedessem, who preceded her in death.  Gretchen managed the fabric store in Portage for many years.  She worked for the State of Wisconsin, helping with the census, which allowed her to travel.  Gretchen had been an active member of Portage Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by five children, James (Nancy) Bedessem, Wausau, Sharon (Ralph) Langdok, Belleville, WI, Jane (Richard) Adam, Escondido, CA, Diane Bedessem, San Diego, CA, and Jon (Amy) Bedessem, Pardeeville;  ten grandchildren;  eight great-grandchildren;  other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena.