Donald E. Bessman, 85, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo.

He was born March 14, 1934, in Alden, son of George and Marie Willig Bessman. Donald graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1952. He also received a bachelors degree from Iowa State Teacher’s College and masters degree in mathematics from University of Northern Iowa. Donald served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

He married Bonnie L. Parsons May 15, 1959 in Killduff, IA. Donald taught high school math in Nashua, Dallas Center, and Sheffield before coming to Waterloo where he taught at Waterloo West High School for many years until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, and Becker-Chapman American Legion Post #138 where he served on the board. Donald was also a former member of the Waterloo Elks BPO Lodge #290.

Donald is survived by his wife of Waterloo; one daughter, Teresa (Kevin) O’Brien of Virginia; two sons, Gary Bessman and Scott Bessman both of Waterloo; four grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, and Caleb Bessman, and Erin O’Brien; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Cynthia; five sisters, Minnie Eddy, Eileen Schultz, Ruth Roegner, and Delilah Whitmeier, and Lois Moore; and two brothers, Zeal and Brice Bessman.