Christoher Ryan Besemer's Obituary
Chris was born in Grand Rapids as the second child of Mary and Robert Besemer on July 24, 1971. He was baptized and raised in the doctrines of the Reformed Church in America. He is survived by both parents: Mary Baker (Bill) of Ferrysburg and Robert (Sue) Besemer of Austin, TX; his brother, Scott (Kerri) Besemer and niece, Nikki Pelette (Brad), all of Bath, MI; and his only child, Savannah Besemer of Easthampton, MA. Other survivors include aunt Jan Besemer of Rockford, MI and aunt Janice Aslanian (Roy) of Holland, MI. Chris had five cousins: Chuck and Ed Besemer of Rockford, MI, Jennifer Wezman (Fred) of Holland, MI, Paul Foster and Peg Phillips of Lake City, MI. Chris enjoyed the creative aspects of cooking and was employed most recently as a baker at Meijer in Grand Haven. He was highly interested in American and world history, for which he had a strong memory. He was also astutely analytical regarding current events, punctuated by a quick. wry sense of humor. As an admirer of Native American culture, he attended the Three Fires Pow Wow held twice a year in Grand Rapids. Chris also valued the writing of science fiction authors and enjoyed playing sophisticated computer games with acquaintances from all over the world. Since elementary school, he and life-long best friend, Chris Ter Haar, shared common interests and activities. These two boys - and men - spent so much time together that Chris’s mother (Mary) referred to Chris T. affectionately as “my third son”. Chris was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes at the age of two. He learned to cope with that illness with an energetic, upbeat attitude all of his life. At age 35, he began home dialysis due to failing kidneys. Three years later he received a kidney and a pancreas from a 19-year-old man, transplanted at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Because of this greatest gift of life, Chris was miraculously cured of diabetes and enjoyed the twelve healthiest years of his life, until his pancreas failed again in 2020. Chris died peacefully at his home in Nunica on October 28, 2022, with his family present. He had only recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Harbor Hospice staff provided excellent physical and emotional support for Chris and his family. Per his wishes, Christopher was cremated and will be interred in the Spring Lake Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 5:30-8:00 PM in the Community Room of Country Estates Mobile Home Park, 14700 State Road, Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441. Share memories with the family online at http://www.SytsemaFH.com.
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