Gottlieb Besler, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, November 16, 2020 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home.

Gottlieb was born November 30, 1933, in Bison, SD to Samuel and Magdalena (Rosin) Besler, the ninth youngest of fifteen siblings.

Gottlieb worked on the family farm until he was 21.  He went to Pierre, SD and drove scrapers to help build the Oahe Dam.  He was drafted into the Army in 1956 and was stationed at the USA Medical Center in Tokyo, Japan.  He served two years in the Army Reserves before taking an Honorable Discharge.

Upon returning he went into Mobridge, SD to work on the railroad bridge crossing the Missouri River.  He met the love of his life Anne Emma Harp.  The two wed on September 12, 1959, at the Norway Lutheran Church in Glenham, SD.  They welcomed their first born, Jerome Gottlieb Besler in Mobridge, SD.  They then moved to Rapid City in 1960 and welcomed their second child, LaDale Alan Besler and their third and only daughter Darlys Ann Besler.

Gottlieb began working for Pearson Construction building electrical power sub stations.  In 1972 Gottlieb and Anne started their own company Besler, Inc.  Gottlieb foreseen the changes in the electrical industry and started Electro Test and Maintenance Inc. in 1980.

Both sons work for the companies and their daughter works with Anne in bookkeeping.  In the early 1990's their children took over the family business.

Gottlieb and Anne retired to Boulder City, NV and kept a residence in Rapid City.

Gottlieb is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Anne; son Jerome (Terry) and grandson Jared; son La Dale Besler; daughter Darlys (Mike) Hollister; two sisters; eight brothers and a host of nieces and nephews.

Private family services with military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.