Gary Bessman

Gary Bessman, 84, of Alden, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ in Alden. Gary will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Woodley Funeral Home of Iowa Falls is caring for Gary and his family. Gary was born August 23, 1941 in Alden to Keith and Eunice (Benson) Bessman. He graduated from Alden High School in 1959. Gary honorably served in the United States Army for 2 years. He was united in marriage to Kathryn (Kathy) Mattingly of Clarion on August 22, 1975. They resided on the family farm which Gary continued to operate until his retirement. Gary is survived by sisters, Kathleen McGrath of Kimberling City, Missouri and Linda Bessman of Chattanooga, Tennessee; brother, Tom Bessman (Penny) of Elberton, Georgia; sister-in-law, Kelley O’Keefe (Tim) of Manly, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Patrick McGrath (Lisa) of Branson West, Missouri, Dawn McGrath of Springfield, Missouri, Abigayle Bessman (Aaron Parisot) of Fair Play, South Carolina, Emily Parham (Cory) of Elberton, Georgia, Megan Mueller (Dylan) of Manly, Iowa, Molly O’Keefe (Mac Spotts) of Mason City, Iowa, Kathleen O’Keefe of Manly, Iowa, and Conor O’Keefe of Manly, Iowa; great-nieces and nephews, Lindsey Bray (Clinton) of Kimberling City, Missouri, Lauren McGrath of Chicago, Illinois, Kaitlyn and Becca Dolecheck of Springfield, Missouri, Adaline, Ashlyn and Ansley Parham of Elberton, Georgia, Collins Kaye and Wesley Eugene Mueller of Manly, Iowa; great-great nephews, Hayden McGrath and Radley Bray of Kimberling City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Bessman; parents, Keith and Eunice Bessman; father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Bethene Mattingly and his brother-in-law, Michael McGrath. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gary’s honor to Special Olympics or 43 North Iowa at 43northiowa.org. Condololnces may be sent to Kathy McGrath, 67 Port Drive Unit 1 in Kimberling City, MO 65686.

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Gary Bessman

August 23, 1941 - May 21, 2026