Gary Biesemeier

Gary Wayne Biesemeier, affectionately known to many as “Mr. B or Coach” passed away peacefully at his winter home in Palm Desert, CA on March 8, 2026, at the age of 86.

A native of Haxtun, Colorado, Gary excelled in athletics, playing all varsity sports in high school. He earned an academic scholarship to Colorado School of Mines, later studied at Adams State University, and completed his Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder. His academic excellence placed him in the top 10% nationally, helping him avoid the draft while in college.

In 1959, Gary was captivated by a photo he saw in The Denver Post newspaper. It was announcing a beauty queen, Dorene Jacobson, as winning the Miss Martin (Denver) beauty pageant. Dorene was from Crosby, ND and had moved to Denver with her best friend. She worked for Martin-Marietta at the time. Gary eventually found out that Dorene was friends with his roommate’s girlfriend and after several attempts, she finally agreed to a blind date on the shores of Sloan’s Lake in Denver. Gary and Dorene were married in 1961 in Crosby, ND. They had a double wedding with her younger sister, and both couples remained happily married until the passing of their treasured husbands.

In the mid-1960s, while travelling as a salesman for Westvaco Corporation, Gary survived a Pan American flight hijacking to Cuba, an event he recounted with calm humor and courage throughout his life.

He owned and led Industrial Chemicals Corporation in Arvada, CO for over 5 decades and earned widespread respect for his innovative thinking, leadership, and integrity. His employees always came first, and he believed that all should be treated as family and looked after as members of his family.

Gary was a longtime and valued member of both The Club at Rolling Hills in Golden, Colorado, and Indian Ridge Country Club in Palm Desert. A devoted golfer, he practiced golf nearly every day for decades—more than most people would ever care to—but it was something he truly loved. The game brought him countless friendships and many memorable days on the course.

He also gave back to his community by coaching Arvada peewee football for 15 years, with 2 teams winning the coveted Carnation Bowl! He inspired many young athletes both on and off the field, even after his coaching career ended.

His character preceded him wherever he went, and he was widely regarded as a true class act. Known for his kindness, generosity, humility, and quick wit, he always had a joke ready and brightened every room.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorene; son, Jay Biesemeier (Wendy); daughter, Jamie Wilkins (John); and grandchildren Jordyn, Johnathan, Jillian, and Samantha.

A Celebration of Life is expected this summer in Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haxtun Hospital Foundation, PO Box 8, Haxtun, CO 80731.

The fairways and football fields will feel a little quieter without Mr. B’s presence and jokes, but his legend lives on.