Donald M. Bessette

Bessette, Donald M. Age 98, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025. Previously a resident of Lincoln Park, Michigan for 63 years, Don had been residing in The Villages, Florida since 2017. He was born in River Canard, Ontario and grew up in Windsor, Ontario. He was preceded in death in 2017 by Jeanne (Rycroft), his beloved wife of 69 years.

Don worked at American Standard Oil, and Greyhound. He later retired from Great Lakes Steel in 1989 and The John Hancock Insurance Co. in 1992. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for 79 years, since 1946, serving Father Saylor Council #3774 as Grand Knight, and Msgr. Francis Van Antwerp Assembly #475 as Fourth-Degree Faithful Navigator and Color Corps Commander. In retirement, he worked at Martenson Funeral Home and served as a Eucharistic Minister at  Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

A man of boundless energy and spirit, Don was known for his love of the dance floor. Whether at a Knights of Columbus gala or a family wedding, he and Jeanne were a sight to behold, perfectly in step and full of joy. When he wasn't dancing, Don could almost always be found with a deck of cards in hand. He was a formidable Euchre player who spent countless hours at the card table, enjoying the camaraderie, the strategy, and the thrill of a well-played "loner."

Don leaves behind his loving children Cherie, Lynne (Bill) Morande, Dale, Donna (Steve) Pachy, Thomas “Tim” (Vicky), and Robert. He was a proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather to many. The oldest of ten children, he is survived by siblings Arnold “Chick” (Helen), Joanne (Bill) Thomas, and Laurie (Dave) Guthrie; he was predeceased by his parents Stella Marie (Bondy) and Edmund Joseph Bessette, and siblings Frank, Toby (Anita), Marvin, Dolores (Dino) Martinello, Leonard “Lenny”, and Lynda (Jim) Gegeny.

Guided by a deep and unwavering Catholic faith, Don and Jeanne were dedicated to providing their children with a foundation of spiritual values. They led by example, giving 100% to every endeavor and instilling a legacy of integrity, perseverance, and hard work in their children. Whether volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher at Christ the Good Shepherd or meticulously planning special family holidays, Don’s life was a testament to his devotion to God and family. Their summers were filled with joy at Camp Dearborn and Portage Lake—days spent golfing, boating, and fishing with those they loved most. The family finds great comfort in knowing Don and Jeanne are now eternally reunited with their beloved dog, Yankee.

Visitation is Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2-8 pm with the Rosary time to be determined; both at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes. Don will lie in state at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Lincoln Park on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 9:30 am with a Funeral Liturgy at 10:00 am. Interment at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Brownstown Twp., MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus, Father Saylor Council #3774, 17113 Champaign, Allen Park, MI 48101.