Raymond J. Beschen

Raymond J. Beschen, of Dubuque, formerly of Bellevue, passed away on November 3, 2013 at Luther Manor. Friends and family may call between 11:00 1:00p.m. Friday, November 8, 2013, at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue where private family services will follow. Inurnment will be at Mt. Olivet cemetery in Key West, IA Ray was born on March 19, 1929 in LaMotte, IA to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Beschen. Ray was the drummer in the family owned band Leo Beschen and the Cowboys from 1945 the 1950s. It was a very popular band which performed locally and throughout the Midwest. From 1953-1955 (the Korean Conflict) Ray served in the U.S. Army with the army engineers in the Yang Gue Valley. He earned four medals during his tour of duty and the rank of Corporal. Ray returned to Bellevue from Korea with pneumonia. This landed him in the Bellevue Memorial Hospital which turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to him. There he met the love of his life, Mary Till. They were married at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Bellevue on April 10, 1956. Ray continued drumming, this time with the Koethe Brothers band until 1964, while also working at the Bellevue Creamery driving the ice cream truck to all the local farm houses. In 1966, Ray began his 28 year career at the Bellevue Municipal Utilities, starting as an engine operator and retiring in 1994 as Superintendent. Ray was a past president of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Bellevue American Legion. He was also an avid convertible car collector and was best recognized at Bellevue Heritage Days parades driving his yellow, 1929. Model A. After retirement Ray and Mary moved to Dubuque and enjoyed traveling and volunteering. They were members of the Old House Enthusiasts Club and ushers at both the Grand Opera House and the Bell Tower. Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 57 years, Mary, their 5 children; Kathy (Jim) Bauerly, Joe (Deb) Beschen, Shirley (Stan) Hachmann, Jon (Michele) Beschen, Tom (Karin) Beschen. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren & 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jim. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful caregivers at Luther Manor, his very regular visitors, brother-in-law Jerry Till, Ken Heacock and the entire Hospice Group. Memorials may be made to Luther Manor or Hospice of Dubuque.Service:Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service100 N. 6th StreetBellevue, IA 52031