John F. Bedessem

passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2009 at his home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He was born on July 10, 1933 and was 76 years of age. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin, graduating from Aquinas High School, attending Notre Dame University , IN, West Point Military Academy, NY and graduated from Marquette University, WI in 1957 with a degree in accounting and finance. He worked in public accounting and the insurance industry until his retirement. In his retirement he established the largest organic orchard east of the Mississippi River. He will be greatly missed by many, especially his wife of over 40 years, Ruth, their children Michael J. (Lori) Bedessem, Jane Carpenter of Bainbridge Island, Kevin (Becky) Dobbs, as well as grandchildren Erin (Ed) Schiltgen, Brendan Dillon, Dana, John M. and Joseph Bedessem, Linzie Dobbs, William and Ellen Carpenter and great-granddaughter Leah Margarete Schiltgen. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Mass on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 9:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1310 Madison Avenue NE on Bainbridge Island, WA.