Vera Jean Bensen

NEWCASTLE — Vera Jean Bensen, 70, Newcastle, died suddenly Feb. 19, 2021, at her residence in Newcastle.

Funeral services will be Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, Maskell, with Rev. Chad Beckius officiating.

Burial will be at the Obert Cemetery.

Visitation was Tuesday at the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, and will continue Wednesday, at church, one hour prior to services. Face masks and social distancing are required for the visitation and funeral. You may also watch a live stream of the funeral at www.facebook. com /WintzRay/ live.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington. Pallbearers will be Cole Bensen, Hunter Bensen, A.J. Hutchings, Lee Andersen, Clay Andersen, Casey McGhee and Andrew Bensen.

Vera Jean was born Dec. 19, 1950, to Merlin Jacob and Anna Belle (Domina) Andersen in Hartington. She grew up in the Hartington area and graduated from Wynot High School in 1969. Vera married Rodney Adair Bensen on June 23, 1969 in Obert. She then attended Stewart’s School of Hair Styling, Sioux City, Iowa. Vera and Rodney farmed in the Maskell area. She was active on the farm and also cleaned house for several friends and fixed hair for close friends and family. Vera worked at Lyle’s Bar, Newcastle, for the morning coffee hours where she really enjoyed visiting and being social with the ladies that came for the past five years.

Vera attended church at Faith Lutheran, Maskell. She liked to play cards, Scrabble and other board games.

She enjoyed her coffee and always had a pot on and had cookies and a variety of baked goods for any visitors. Vera enjoyed shopping with her daughter and granddaughter and loved to travel when she had the opportunity. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandsons on the farm, and going to their many activities and cheering them on.

Vera is survived by her four children, Aaron Bensen, Ponca; Wendy Bensen (Brian) Kelly, Papillion; Eldon (Katie) Bensen, South Sioux City; Beau (Jen) Bensen, Hartington; 10 grandchildren Jinell Carslin, A.J. Hutchings, Skye Hutchings, Ezra Bensen, Ari Bensen, Cole Bensen, Hunter Bensen, Blake Bensen, Elijah Bensen, and Chance Bensen; great-grandson, Liam Hutchings; a brother Doyle (Pat) Andersen, Harrison; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin and Anna Belle Andersen; infant brother, RaymondAndersen; husband, Rodney, Dec. 4, 2009, at the age of 60.