Carol Jean (Bien) Besse, age 80, of Rochester, MN, was called to eternal rest on May, 27, 2024. She was born on September 6, 1943, in Durand, WI. She was a proud alumnus of both St. Mary's Catholic School and Durand High School in her hometown.

Carol left home after high school and went to Winona, MN. She met and later married Lyle Besse. They moved to Chatfield, MN for a few years, eventually moving to Rochester, MN. The two later separated and divorced, but remained friends and were dedicated to their two children.

Carol's vocational journey was marked by her love of, and dedication to, the food service industry, where she managed several delis and bakeries with grace and efficiency. Her final professional years were spent contributing to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Carol was cherished for her generous spirit and exceptional culinary talents. Her "Carol's Potato Salad", family meals, and sweet treats were the highlight of many gatherings, embodying her love for nurturing others through food.

Carol's life was filled with interests that included a love for card and dice games, a passion for collecting, and most importantly, the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. A faithful parishioner, Carol worshiped at Resurrection Catholic Church.

Left to honor Carol's memory are her loving children, daughter, Polly Jensen (Brad Steinbrink) of Wykoff, MN; her son Michael (Christina) Besse of Elgin, MN; her adored grandchildren, Kimberly (Kyle) Johnson, Tara (Jeff) Ramirez, Melyssa Jensen (Josh Schmidt), Marcus Besse (Jasmine Liebenow), and Matthew Besse; her treasured great-grandchildren, Domanyk, Shaylin and Ryker Schmidt; her brother, Ronald Bien, sister-in-law Corine Bien; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Preceding Carol in death were her parents, John (Jack) and Luella Bien; her brother John (Sonny) Bien, her sister Rose Harris, her brother-in-law Tom Harris, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, and great-nephew.

The family invites those who knew and loved Carol to pay their respects at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation is scheduled for June, 29,2024, from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. A lunch will follow, allowing friends and family to continue sharing memories of Carol's beautiful life. Burial will take place in Plum City, WI at Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery commencing at 5 p.m.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com