Bessie Chlian, age 97, of New Prague, died Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague.  Bessie was born January 29, 1917 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, MN to Math & Mary (Novak) Ruzicka.  She grew up in the rural Veseli area, attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School in Veseli, and graduated from Paul’s Hairdressing Academy of Minnesota on December 29, 1934.  On March 20, 1943, at Pensacola, FL, Bessie married Arny J. Chlian and lived in Lonsdale after her husband returned from military service.  She worked as a beautician for several years before working with her husband at Chlan’s Red Owl Grocery Store in Lonsdale.  She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society.  Bessie was very good at sewing, making many of her own clothes, and enjoyed rose and flower gardening.  She enjoyed her nieces and nephews and spending time with her sister, Emily Ardolf.

Bessie is survived by her sister Emily Ardolf of New Prague and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Arny, on June 1, 1967; brother Frank J. Ruzicka; sisters, Mary Kubes and Helen Vasko.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague with visitation 1 hour prior to service.  Father David Barrett officiated.  Lunch immediately followed at the Legion Club in New Prague.  Burial occurred at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.