Besler, Daniel J.

Daniel J. Besler

Sunrise: 10/05/1950

Sunset: 12/02/2012

LI1 Daniel J. Besler, of Milpitas, Calif., passed away at his home in Milpitas,on Dec. 2, 2012, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Dan is survived by his wife, Trina; and sons, Alex, 16, Robert, 15 and Danny Jr., 14, all of Milpitas.

Dan was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on Oct. 5, 1950, a twin to brother Dick, son of Margene (Reiff) Besler and Urban J. Besler of Hopkinton, Iowa. Dan grew up in rural Hopkinton, graduated from Western Dubuque High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971. He spent much of his adult life at sea and living on land in California. In 1989, Dan met the love of his life, Trina Villicana and they married in 1991. Dan retired from the Navy in 1992, after 21 years of service. He was a decorated sailor with numerous commendations and a Bronze Star. In Dan's years of service, he spent 18 years at sea and saw the 7 Wonders of the World. Dan will be honored by a Veteran's service at The National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif. on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life or any Veteran's organization.

Dan was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in April 2012. Despite his diagnosis, Dan fought valiantly, undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Always a Navy man, the words “give up” were not in Dan's vocabulary. His life was cut much too short, for he had so much to offer the world. Dan's greatest joys in life were his wife and kids, their extended family, his best friend and twin brother Dick, reading and Navy life. He, Trina and their children loved traveling together, the Monterey Bay area was a particular favorite.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Margene (1973) and Urban (1994); brother, Bill (1979); brother, Tom (1984); twin brother, Dick (2008); and nephew, Tom Jr. (2006); as well his maternal grandparents, Julia and Albert Reiff and his paternal grandparents, Frank and Margaret Besler.

In addition to Dan's loving wife and children, Dan is also survived by his sister, Carol (Besler) and Brad Snell of North Liberty; brother, Urb of Springville; sister, Barb (Besler) and Tom Deutmeyer of Dyersville; sister, Linda (Besler) and Tim Billmeyer of Marion; as well as nieces and nephews, Karen Besler, Rebecca Besler, Nick Besler, Margene (Deutmeyer) Shullaw, Lindsay Deutmeyer, April Deutmeyer, Alyssa Billmeyer and Thomas Billmeyer.

May God grant Dan eternal peace as he heads off into the wild blue yonder.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 11, 2012.