Michael L. Bygz Bessler

Michael L. “BYGZ” Bessler, age 65 of Jackson Township, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2011 surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born on July 18, 1945 in Port Clinton, the son of Donald and Cedona (Brauer) Bessler. Bygz was a 1963 graduate of Washington High School, followed by four years in the U.S. Navy where he served on a destroyer ship. He retired from East Ohio Gas Company in 2001. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Bygz enjoyed numerous activities, such as camping and boating at Tappan Lake and working at the Elms golf course, but most of all Bygz dedicated himself to coaching and helping the youth of Jackson Township. Through many years of service, Bygz coached the little league football, and baseball for many years, and of course his favorite of them all was managing the Jackson Boys High School Basketball for the past 12 years. He was a proud long standing member of the Jackson Sideliners. To know Bygz was to love Bygz. He was a gentle giant who was always up for a good laugh. He touched so many lives throughout the years and he will never be forgotten. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cedona ( Brauer) Bessler. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 32 years, Debra (McGonagle) Bessler; his father, Donald Bessler; his children, Matthew Ira Bessler and Stefanie Michael Bessler all of Stark County; his brother, Roger William Bessler of Billings, MT; numerous extended family members and his canine companion, Louis. Our Father, which Art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 3:00 P.M. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon, Rev. Dennis Engler will be Officiating. Immediately following there will be a Celebration of Michaels Life at Gameday Grille located at 5468 Fulton Dr. N.W., Canton. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers Bygz requested donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as he expressed no child should ever endure what he did. Messages of support and sympathy may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home – Massillon (330) 833-3222