Joe Allen Besco, 55, of Ames, Iowa, passed away Friday, June 3, 2011, at the Israel Family Hospice House. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a light lunch and memorial service at 1 p.m. at North Grand Church of Christ in Ames, Iowa.

Joe was born June 15, 1955, in Albert Lea, the son of Howard Roy and Mae (Slagle) Besco. He graduated from Central Senior High School of Albert Lea in 1973. On Sept. 25, 1985, he married Susan Stiebler in the Little Brown Church.

Joe was employed as a machine operator for Amcor. He was a member of Pheasants Forever where he helped with their silent auctions for many years. Joe was also a member of the Ames Elks Lodge 1626 and active in the Elks golf and bowling leagues. Joe enjoyed hunting, traveling, car shows, gardening and barbecuing.

Joe is survived by his wife: one step-daughter, Christine (Greg) Nielsen of Eldora, Iowa; one step-son, Shawn Zoller of Eagle Grove, Iowa; three grand children Zoe, Cole and Codi Zoller; one step-sister, Wava Besco of Allerton, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Steven and Russell Besco and one step-sister, Denise Egge.

Online condolences may be left at adamssoderstrum.com.