Eldora Theresa Besaw, 85, of Neopit, died at home while surrounded by her family on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. Born on March 30, 1932, in Keshena, she was the daughter of the late Luke and Susan (Amob) Beauprey Sr.
Eldora attended St. Joseph Grade School in Keshena, Haskell High School and College, and graduated with a degree in journalism. She worked at the Menominee Tribal Jail, Menominee Clerk of Courts, as a secretary at the Menominee Tribal Clinic and corporate secretary at Menominee Tribal Enterprises, and as a long-term care supervisor at Menominee Social Services, where she received several awards.
On Sept. 24, 1954, in Neopit, Eldora was united in marriage to Glenn J. Besaw, who preceded her in death on June 7, 2012. She was very active with the Menominee Reservation, including active membership on DRUMS and restoration, Menominee board of directors and was instrumental in the start-up of Menominee Tribal News and public relations. In her free time she enjoyed spending time with her family, time at the lake, sewing, writing and riding in the woods with her husband.
She is survived by her children, Joseph Sr. (Lisa) Besaw, of Keshena, Gary (Elizabeth) Besaw, of Keshena, Kelly Besaw, of Neopit, Carolyn Besaw, of Keshena, Linea Arthur, of Keshena; 17 grandchildren, Joshua (Lindsay) Besaw, Lori Besaw, Joseph (Le Asah) Besaw, Deidre (Jarrod) Caldwell, Aaron (Cherisse) Besaw, Luke (Darian) Besaw, Kara (Kyle) Besaw, Melissa Besaw, Kelsey (Al) Waupoose, David (Katie) Coliadis, Marie Miller, Corryn (Addam) Besaw, Gabriel Arthur, Heather, Glenn, Delson Pero and Kateri Besaw; two sisters, Cordelia and Marcene Beauprey; along with numerous other relatives, including special niece, Diane (Tootie) Shooter and special honorary son, Alfred “Waump” Waupoose.
Eldora was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two children, Leah Besaw and Darnell Askenette; grandson, Glenn Fowler; brothers and sisters, Luke Beauprey, Susan O’Katchicum, Annabelle Moeser, Virginia Tousey, Rodney and Quintin Beauprey.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. Joel Jores officiating. Burial was in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was held at the Neopit Community Center beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday until the time of services on Tuesday. A parish wake service was held at the Neopit Community Center at 7 p.m. Monday.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.