Condolences for Frederick Walter Bessette

Fred, Judi, Charlie and Snoop Dog were all neighbors of ours in Nashotah. They lived across the street and as years went by our friendship grew. We loved their company, hospitality and interesting conversation. We felt so sad when they lost Charlie and now even more sad with the loss of Fred. However, we take comfort in knowing they are together in a better place. You could have not asked for better neighbors. We miss Fred deeply, his beautiful prairie, his love for: Judi, others, Snoopy, nature and how he would always brighten our days. We were truly very blessed to know such a wonderful man. I'm crying as I write this because there was only one such Fred. We shared a common background of growing up on a farm cheering on those Michigan State Spartans and for celebrating life. He is already deeply missed, but may we remember the example he set: seeing the good, living each day to the fullest and loving life even when times are so very hard.

Fred and Judi were our wonderful loving friends for more than 30 years.Before our kids were born! We will never forget the joy the day Charlie came home. Prettiest boy baby ever! We spent Christmases together, fun in Door County, movies, dinners, theater, oh so many wonderful times! many game nights at Fred and Judi's. Delicious dinner served, then time to get down to business and play a game. Will never forget the night they taught Jimmy and me Rummikub. Turns out this rookie won the first game! Fred was beside himself. Our kids were friends, which delighted us all. One night we were at Fred and Judi's, Charlie played his guitar and sang one of his songs, just to the moon, we were.Smart and so sassy! One of my favorite memories. Jim, Casey and I were watching Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. Casey was probably about 8 or 9. Contestant was asked if he'd like to phone a friend. Casey literally shouted: "I would call Freddy Bessette!" We will never forget this extraordinary guy and exceptional friend. Love you so much, Judi!

I have had the honor of knowing Fred and Judi since 2009. In this time I have come to know them both as wonderful friends me adpoted family! Fred was a wonderful, honorable and compassionate soul. He cared for all but doted on Judi; like a wonderful friend, companion and husband should. His courageous battle against cancer never dulled his sense of humor, compassion or love. He never once gave up or caved in, and he always put his care and concern for Judi above his own. I will miss him and his majestic laugh, his witty humor and his humility! "There are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way Our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were - better than what we were, more understanding than what we were, more empathetic than what we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before." Thank you for being a part of my life Fred! I am better from knowing you! Love, peace and strength to you Judi so that you can continue to be a testimony of strength, courage and love to others, Love you friend!