Bessie “Bess” M. Telecky, 90, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Hallmark Care Center, Mount Vernon.

Bess was born at home Nov. 10, 1934, daughter of Frank and Bessie (Marousek) Koutny. After attending a one room rural school near her family’s farm by Ely, she attended and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1952. Bess married the love of her life, James “Jim” Telecky, August 21, 1954.

They were blessed with “four wonderful daughters” as often quoted by Bess, and were married for 70 years. Bess took great pride in taking care of her family and home. She loved baking, sewing, crafting, golfing, watching birds, working with flowers, helping at her church, dancing, bargain shopping for others, hosting family gatherings,
playing bingo and setting up Easter egg hunts with her grandchildren, to name a few.

Bessie knew it was more blessed to give than to receive.

She was a beautiful soul who would try to help and bring joy to anyone she met. She loved sharing hugs, homemade pies/kolaches, or her homemade crosses. You never left her without taking something home with you.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Victoria (Sterling) Young, Rebecca Wilcox, Deborah (David) Blythe, and Teresa (Bruce) Squires; grandchildren, Nicole (Brett) Eidahl, Brandon (Stephanie) Young, Travis (Laura) Young, Ben (Katie) Wilcox, Kristen (Justin) Carpenter, Jennifer (Brian) Mertes, Erin (Seth) Schaller, Brooke (Nathon) Logue, and Dustin (Natasha) Smith; 24 great grandchil-
dren; siblings, Edward (Marcella) Koutny and Betty Buresh; and many more loving family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Gary Wilcox; and brother-in-law, Dale Buresh.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A Celebration of Life and Private Burial will be held at a later date.

Please share your support and memories with Bessie’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com