1919
Verle
2013
Verle Elizabeth Behlke
April 30, 1919 — December 21, 2013
Verle E. Behlke 1919 - 2013
Lifetime Benkelman resident Verle Elizabeth Behlke, passed away December 21, 2013 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman where she was surrounded by family. At 94 years old, she was an inspiration to those who knew her well and her venerable legacy will long outlive her time spent on earth.
Verle was born on the family farm seven miles northwest of Benkelman on April 30, 1919 to Reverda E. and Lois (Hardwick) Baney. The small farm home was a loving environment for her six brothers and sister where the family worked hard together. Growing up she had fond memories of a large flower and vegetable garden, cooking massive meals for the family and hired men, ironing and starching shirts for her older brothers for their Saturday nights to town, family baseball games, ice skating on Twin Lakes, picnics, and lots of homemade ice cream. Verle attended District #36 Country School transferring to Benkelman High School where she graduated with the class of 1938. Following graduation, she began teaching at District 6 Country School located south of the original Behlke home section.
Verle continued her teaching career until her marriage to Ted E. Behlke on March 12, 1947 in Sunny Vale, California. From this union one son was born, Teddy Eugene. Ted and Verle continued to farm and live on the Behlke farm northwest of Benkelman. Tragically, Ted was taken too soon due to a heart attack leaving Verle to raise and care for her six-day-old son. Verle moved to town and maintained the farming operation with the help of her brother Gerald Baney. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Over the years, Verle worked several positions. Her love of flowers had her helping in the greenhouse with her aunt Vera and cousin, Shirley Baney. Later Verle worked at the Dundy County Processors and even the Benkelman Bowling Alley. Her volunteer work included several years of service at the Blood Mobile, Dundy County Election Board, and Benkelman Library. She was a 67-year member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. She found much joy caring for her garden, rose bushes and yard. Verle enjoyed unexpected visits from family and friends; coffee chats; and hosting large family holiday events. But the love of her life was her three grandchildren. Camping trips, ball games, and all school activities occupied her time. Verle was always ready to go whether it was a quick trip to McCook to shop or a drive along the river bottom. Traveling with her niece Beverly Cast and family, as they included her in many of their adventures, was a pleasure she treasured.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Reverda and Lois; husband Ted; one sister Arlene and husband Melvin Spears; brothers Johnnie Baney (killed in service, Okinawa, Japan); Lawrence Baney and wife Inez; Manley Baney; Gerald Baney and wife Joan; Waldo Baney and wife Donna.
Survivors include her son Teddy and wife Maureen of Benkelman; grandson Eric Behlke, wife Carrie and their daughter Hoxie (Verle’s first and only great granddaughter) of Black Diamond, Alberta Canada; grandson Nathan Behlke of Benkelman; and granddaughter Kara Elizabeth Behlke of St. Louis Missouri; brother Marlin Baney of Evans Colorado; sister-in-law Barbara Baney of Benkelman; special nieces Beverly Cast, Cheryl Wall and families; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Thursday, December 26 at 1:30 p.m. MST with Pastor Sheila Taylor officiating. Visitation will be the same day, December 26 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial has been established in her name. Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com. Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The casket will be open for viewing prior to services and Thursday morning, December 26th from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (MT) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman.
A memorial has been established in Verle’s memory.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
Lifetime Benkelman resident Verle Elizabeth Behlke, passed away December 21, 2013 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman where she was surrounded by family. At 94 years old, she was an inspiration to those who knew her well and her venerable legacy will long outlive her time spent on earth.
Verle was born on the family farm seven miles northwest of Benkelman on April 30, 1919 to Reverda E. and Lois (Hardwick) Baney. The small farm home was a loving environment for her six brothers and sister where the family worked hard together. Growing up she had fond memories of a large flower and vegetable garden, cooking massive meals for the family and hired men, ironing and starching shirts for her older brothers for their Saturday nights to town, family baseball games, ice skating on Twin Lakes, picnics, and lots of homemade ice cream. Verle attended District #36 Country School transferring to Benkelman High School where she graduated with the class of 1938. Following graduation, she began teaching at District 6 Country School located south of the original Behlke home section.
Verle continued her teaching career until her marriage to Ted E. Behlke on March 12, 1947 in Sunny Vale, California. From this union one son was born, Teddy Eugene. Ted and Verle continued to farm and live on the Behlke farm northwest of Benkelman. Tragically, Ted was taken too soon due to a heart attack leaving Verle to raise and care for her six-day-old son. Verle moved to town and maintained the farming operation with the help of her brother Gerald Baney. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
Over the years, Verle worked several positions. Her love of flowers had her helping in the greenhouse with her aunt Vera and cousin, Shirley Baney. Later Verle worked at the Dundy County Processors and even the Benkelman Bowling Alley. Her volunteer work included several years of service at the Blood Mobile, Dundy County Election Board, and Benkelman Library. She was a 67-year member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. She found much joy caring for her garden, rose bushes and yard. Verle enjoyed unexpected visits from family and friends; coffee chats; and hosting large family holiday events. But the love of her life was her three grandchildren. Camping trips, ball games, and all school activities occupied her time. Verle was always ready to go whether it was a quick trip to McCook to shop or a drive along the river bottom. Traveling with her niece Beverly Cast and family, as they included her in many of their adventures, was a pleasure she treasured.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Reverda and Lois; husband Ted; one sister Arlene and husband Melvin Spears; brothers Johnnie Baney (killed in service, Okinawa, Japan); Lawrence Baney and wife Inez; Manley Baney; Gerald Baney and wife Joan; Waldo Baney and wife Donna.
Survivors include her son Teddy and wife Maureen of Benkelman; grandson Eric Behlke, wife Carrie and their daughter Hoxie (Verle’s first and only great granddaughter) of Black Diamond, Alberta Canada; grandson Nathan Behlke of Benkelman; and granddaughter Kara Elizabeth Behlke of St. Louis Missouri; brother Marlin Baney of Evans Colorado; sister-in-law Barbara Baney of Benkelman; special nieces Beverly Cast, Cheryl Wall and families; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Thursday, December 26 at 1:30 p.m. MST with Pastor Sheila Taylor officiating. Visitation will be the same day, December 26 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial has been established in her name. Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com. Benkelman Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The casket will be open for viewing prior to services and Thursday morning, December 26th from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (MT) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman.
A memorial has been established in Verle’s memory.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
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