Alvina F. Bessler

Alvina F. Bessler, age 89 of Batesville, died Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born April 25, 1919 in Brookville, Indiana, she is the daughter of Regina (Nee: Weber) and Michael Ritzi. She married Clem Bessler November 23, 1940 at St. Michael’s Church in Brookville and he preceded her in death on April 16, 2001. On September 29, 2001, she married Emil Gehring at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg, Indiana and he preceded her in death May 8, 2006.Alvina enjoyed several hobbies. A genuine passion was crocheting afghans, which she learned at a young age and continued throughout her lifetime. Each family member as well as dear friends have one of her beautiful afghans. Over the years, many were donated to churches and local organizations to be raffled off to help raise money. She also enjoyed baking bread, working crossword puzzles and was an avid card player. “500” was her game of choice. Her true passion was her family. She thoroughly enjoyed having her family come to farm and spend time together, especially during the holidays, when she would cook large meals and make sure no one left hungry. In 1989 she and Clem were honored by then governor and now U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, with the Hoosier Homestead Award. The Hoosier Homestead Award recognizes families with farms that have been owned by the same family for 100 years or more.She was a member of Holy Family Church and a lifetime member of the Oldenburg Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary, spending many years involved with the drill team. She was also a homemaker and for 25 years was the bookkeeper for the Bessler Farm Equipment Company run by her and her husband Clem.Alvina is survived by daughters Sandra Werner, Bonnie Bessler and Janie Obermeyer, all of Batesville, Phyllis Quiroz of Greensburg, Indiana; son Michael Bessler of Baraboo, Wisconsin; sister Betty Spaeth of Rushville, Indiana; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. In addition to her husbands and parents, she is also preceded in death by her sister Geraldine Bessler.Visitation is Friday, June 20th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21st, at Holy Family Church with Rev. David Kobak O.F.M. officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to Hospice of Margaret Mary Hospital or Magdalena Catholic College.

Alvina F. Bessler

June 17, 1919 - June 17, 2008