Denis Bessler, age 82 of Helena

Denis passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and into the presence of his heavenly Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 24,2023 after spending several years battling cancer. He was 82 years old.

Denis was born Oct 9th, 1940, to Leo P. Bessler and Claire E. Bessler in Powell, WY. He joined his sisters, Helen, Dorothy and Rita as well as brothers, Nick and Paul and brothers, Bob and Francis a few years later to complete the family. Denis attended Powell High school and graduated in 1960. Immediately after graduating from Powell High School, Denis joined the US Army as part of the 2nd Armored Division. After completing his time in the Army, Denis worked in the oil fields and shortly thereafter met the love of his life, Patricia Ryan of Helena. Together they created a loving family with son, Jefferey, daughter, Kimberly and son, Kenneth. During his younger years, Denis worked at the East Helena Plant Asarco and during times of strife, Denis provided for his family by doing “odd jobs” including cement work, log stripping, cleaning and painting apartments. There was no job too big or too small. Denis loved nature, you could always find the Bessler family camping on just about every weekend and has infamously coined the phrase “put another log on the fire”.  After retiring from East Helena Plant Asarco, Denis spent most of his time volunteering at the American Legion in Helena, MT where he held a lifetime member lead role in the help and support for Disabled American Veterans. Denis was very caring and was always willing to help those struggling and in need of help. Known as a jack of all trades, Denis was always there to offer friendly advice and a positive attitude. As an avid sports fan, Denis was a huge fan of the Wyoming Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets and Chicago White Sox. In fact, Denis was a fan of any team from Chicago the city that was the refuge for his European decedents.

Denis was preceded in death by his parents Leo P. Bessler and Claire E. Bessler, sister Dorothy Chapman and brother Nick Bessler. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bessler, sons Jefferey and Kenneth Bessler, and daughter Kimberly Anderson. Brothers, Paul, Bob and Francis Bessler and sisters, Helen Brandes and Rita Peterson. Blessed with nine grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with numerous nieces and nephews.

God has given Denis a wonderful life with much joy and love from family and many wonderful friends. He will be truly missed.

Donations in Denis’s name can be made to the department of Disabled American Veterans at Fort Harrison or at The American Legion, Lewis and Clark Post No 2.

A very special thank you to Ron Trimp, Kristie Sperle and Rodney and Jackie Kotar. The wonderful staff at St. Peter’s health hospice of Helena and the care staff at Visiting Angels.

A memorial service will be tentatively held on July 27th at Cathedral of Saint Helena at 12:00 p.m., with an interment at Fort Harrison and a reception to follow at The American Legion, Lewis and Clark Post No 2.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

12:00 p.m.

Thursday July 27, 2023

Cathedral of St. Helena

530 N Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

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Burial with Military Honors

Following the service

Thursday July 27, 2023

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Fort Harrison, Montana 59636

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Reception

Following the burial

Thursday July 27, 2023

American Legion

3095 Villard Ave.

Helena, Montana 59601

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