Loree Besser

Loree Besser      April 28, 1954 — January 30, 2025      LGF Volunteer 2009 – 2024

Thank you to our LGF President, David Brown, for these eloquent words on our dear friend . . as read at Loree’s Celebration of Life, February 7th, 2025.

My name is David Brown and I wanted to share some memories of Loree and our common bond that we shared with Let’s Go Fishing.

Let’s Go Fishing is a non-profit organization in its simplest terms we create memories for not only our guests but our Volunteers.  Our guests include: Senior Citizens, Veterans, Challenged Youth and Adults and Hospice Patients and we take them on both fishing and non-fishing (Nature Tours) on our Pontoon(s).

I am wearing Let’s Go Fishing attire (yellow shirt) in honor of Loree as well as many here today are also doing.

The Brainerd Lakes Chapter was started in 2009, which is the same year Loree became a volunteer as a First Mate on the Pontoon.  She most likely was one of the very first Volunteers.

She continued her role as a Volunteer until 2019, when she became Vice President.  Covid hit in 2020-which resulted in no season that year.  At the end of 2021 season, she became President which she served thru 2024 season. She retired at the end of 2024 season, but choose to stay on as a Volunteer and Board member at Large and was excited to continue to be part of our mission.

Prior to Covid, Brainerd Lakes was considered one of the flag ship Chapters ( today there are 14 chapters in Mn and 1 in WI) across Let’s Go Fishing.  As a result of Covid, The Brainerd Chapter went thru some very difficult times.  Along the way early in her Presidency, I’m sure she would agree that she ruffled some feathers.  She did what was needed to keep the Chapter afloat. It was because of Loree’s leadership, guidance, drive and passion that the Brainerd Chapter endured. Today, the Brainerd Chapter has returned/exceeded pre-covid levels.

Last year we were working at the Brainerd Boat Show.  Loree stopped in to see how things were going.  We had lunch together and on our way we had been talking about eventually getting a 2nd Pontoon.  Loree said, we should name in my name as:  The Be sser.  She had a sense of humor.  We all laughed.

If 10 words could be used to convey a message, I could do it in 5 words and it would take Loree 100 words.

In 2024, I was Co-President with Loree. I had the privilege of working with her during the 2024 season where she mentored me.  When she went to speak to different groups I accompanied her.  I know at times she had some physical discomfort, but when she was speaking to groups, she was in her element.

She was passionate anything and everything to do with Let’s Go Fishing. She enjoyed being out in the public, sharing her knowledge and her stories in a way that only she could tell.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to spend some time with her in the 2024 season, where she prepared me well to lead the Board into the future, to carry on her passion and continue to expand our program’s.

She was proud of the Brainerd Lakes Chapter, proud of our Volunteers and the Board and proud to serve our guests to help create special memories for them.

She understood the value of what it meant to be a volunteer not only in Let’s Go Fishing but in other organizations in the community. One of those organizations that she was very supportive of was Camp Confidence.  She made sure that we supported events that we could help with- such as what was then called Fishing Classic.  It was later named Fishing Frenzy.  We continue to support that event today and work closely with Camp Confidence.  This year, Camp Confidence is renaming that event as: Loree Besser’s Fishing Frenzy in her honor.

We did obtain that 2nd Pontoon ( used from our Detroit Lakes Chapter) toward the end of last year. We have many things to look forward to this season, but it is with a heavy heart that she is not there with us for the ride.  She will remain with us always in her spirit and we will think of her often.  She touched so many lives, not just in Let’s Go Fishing but across the Community.

I miss her and will never forget that smile.

I end with this: From the book of Matthew, 5th Chapter:

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

To our dear friend: Rest in Peace.

   

Loree Besser April 28, 1954 – January 30th, 2025

Yesterday we learned of Loree Bessers passing. She was a longtime LGF Volunteer and the President of the Brainerd Chapter for the past 4 years. She chose to retire her position as President at the end of our 2024 Season but was excited to stay on as a volunteer and Board Member at Large.

Loree’s devotion and passion for Let’s Go Fishing brought this Chapter back from the stale days of COVID. She was determined to see this Chapter succeed and passed on her knowledge of community to all the Board Members. Loree will be sadly missed. May her passion for Let’s Go Fishing live on.

In leu of flowers her family has asked for donations to be sent to:

Let’s Go Fishing – Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter, PO Box 257, Brainerd MN 56401

Services for Loree will be held at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter this Friday February 7th at 7pm. As a LGF volunteer please wear your gold/yellow shirt or LGF attire to show our support.

https://www.brenny.com/obituaries/lorree-besser

Loree Besser         April 28, 1954 – January 30th, 2025

Give to the Max is open for year round giving!

Give MN is open for donations!

By donating through this Give to the Max site it gives LGF Brainerd Lakes continued support for our mission of serving the community. THANK YOU!

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Lets-Go-Fishing-Brainerd-Lakes

Listen to LGF on the WJJY’s Community Focus Podcast!!

Need to know what’s happening for LGF Brainerd and our plans for 2025? Dan and Ron stopped by WJJY’s Studio to tell us more, give a listen:

Listen to LGF on WJJY!

Image by Mark Persons

Brainerd LGF adds second pontoon to our fleet!

It was a monumental day yesterday when Cheryl and Paul towed our #2 smile-making pontoon into town! We have TWO boats!

Purchased from our neighboring LGF chapter in Detroit Lakes, this 26ft beauty has an almost new 3-year old Mercury and seating for ten with LOTS of storage. It will take a little bit of work to make it ours, adding our sponsor decals, a little TLC and customization to suite our clients just right!

Stay tuned for updates to “LGF’s Toonie Two” as a dedicated committee makes its progress towards 2025 launch day🛥️

2024 LGF Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

On September 24th the Brainerd Lakes Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing honored our volunteers and Chapter President Loree Besser for their outstanding work in 2024. Loree and our volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the season serving Seniors, Veterans and Differently-abled Adults on fishing excursions and nature tours held on area lakes. 60+ guests were treated to a deliciously prepared meal and cake, and 40+ attendees went home with wonderful gifts from area businesses whom donated gift cards, baskets and more for our hard-working volunteers – THANK YOU SPONSORS!!!!

Let’s Go Fishing Brainerd Lakes Chapter is pleased to support FHNB!

Our Chapter is pleased to be part of this event serving the community!!

https://fhnbinc.org/chapters/brainerd-mn/