Bessie Marie Tuma

Bessie Marie Barta Tuma was born December 6, 1921, in Lonsdale, Minnesota, to William T. and Otillia (Dvorak) Barta. She was baptized at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale and at the age of two, moved with her family to Faribault. When she was four, the family moved to a farm at Union Lake. She attended country school and New Prague High School. Her first holy communion and confirmation was at IC Church in Lonsdale. She married Jerry V. Tuma on August 22, 1939, at Immaculate Conception. Bessie and Jerry had known each other since they were children. After marriage they farmed until 1972 when they moved to Faribault. While living in Faribault, Bessie worked at District One Hospital, Erickson’s Furniture Store, and cleaned houses for several people. In 2001 they moved to Northfield. Jerry passed away on April 28, 2005.

Bessie was a member of the Church of St. Dominic, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary in Faribault, and Rosary Society at IC in Lonsdale. She was a former member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. She enjoyed crocheting, playing euchre, flowers, gardening and animals. Bessie had a strong Christian faith and she dearly loved her husband, children, grand and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include 3 daughters: Bernice and husband Lawrence Rezac of Webster, Carol and husband Vern Hrdlicka of LeCenter, Karen Simonette and fiancee Patrick Shannon of Edina; 11 grandchildren: Larry (Sandy) Rezac, Fred (Theresa) Rezac, Barb (Tom) McCabe, Beverly (Joe) Pumper, Jennifer Rezac, Susie (Glenn) Brehmer, Carrie Hrdlicka, Lloyd Hrdlicka, Kurt (Dawn) Simonette, Kim (Peter) Johansson, Kyle (Britt) Simonette; 30 great-grandchildren; her sister & brother-in-law, Lorraine and Peter Grossman of Northfield; her brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Jan Barta of Lakeville; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her son Ronald; 2 grandsons: Steven and Martin Rezac; & her brother, William Barta, Jr.

Bessie passed away Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2008, at Gardenview Nursing Home in LeSueur, at the age of 86.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating. Music will be provided by Marlys Mouser. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery at Lonsdale. Casket bearers will be Austin Brehmer, Patrick Holicky, Lloyd Hrdlicka, Danny Rezac, Larry Rezac and Kurt Simonette. Visitation will be 4-7 P.M. Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.