Lawrence P. “Butch” Besmer
Mayor, City of Woodson Terrace
Mayor Besmer moved into Woodson Terrace in 1956 when he was 5 years old. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. He began working for the U.S. Post Office in 1974, serving as a shop steward and later a member of the Executive Board of the APWU. He retired in 2006 after 35 years of government service.
He was elected to Alderman Ward 2 in 1995. During his time as Alderman, he chaired the City’s Finance Committee and served on the Planning and Zoning Board.
Mayor Besmer organized and developed the Woodson Terrace Robert J. Madden Veterans Monument located in our city park. He is responsible for organizing the Woodson Terrace Veterans Committee. Mayor Besmer is also a life time member of VFW Post 3944 and a member of the American Legion.
Mayor Besmer married his wife Debbie in 1976 and they have two children, Joseph and Jennifer.