WMIA is sad to announce the passing of John Besonen on Wednesday, January 23, in Mesa, AZ, at age 82.

John started his career in the woodworking machinery industry in 1961 in the machine shop at Timesavers. By 1969 he had risen to the position of plant manager. From 1969-1997 he held many executive positions at both AEM and Timesavers. John was an application expert in the field of wide-belt sanding and mentored many of the industry’s current sales managers, including his son, Gary, and nephew Jim, currently WMIA’s Vice Chairman of the Board.

Outside of work, John was known for his faith in God, his generosity, his commitment to his family, and his love of laughter. Our condolences go out to the entire Besonen family.