Norbert Benke

Norbert Arthur Benke (Norb) was born November 8, 1938, on Edna Township farmstead. He went to grade school at District 132, Rose Hill School and graduated from Perham High School in 1956. On Flag Day, June 14, 1958, he married Carol Bowker. He farmed his whole life originally on the home farm in Edna Township and moving to the Dora Township farm in 1990. 

In his younger years, Norb played baseball and coached for the Dent Ramblers baseball team. He also made music with the Country Ramblers who played for many weddings and area dances. Norb was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dent, MN and served as a board member for the Dent School and Dora Township.

His lifelong hobbies included hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren and cutting his own lumber to make things for friends out of the native wood. He was known to tell a story now and then and would pull your chain if given the opportunity, you never could be sure.

On Saturday, October 2, 2021, Norb passed away at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND at the age of 82.

He will be greatly missed by his four sons; Randy Benke (Sheri) of Mankato, Scooter Benke (Nancy) of Dent, Kyle Benke (Jacky) Silverton CO, Marty Benke (Brenda) of Perham; daughter, Wendi Olson (Reid) of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Katie, Kelly, Derrick, Tucker, Ryan, Josh, Chad, Samantha, Rick, Brooke, Tyler, Taylor, Becca, Matthew, Jamie & Michael, including 14 great-grandchildren; A special friend, Rita Abbott of Dent; and two sisters, Lois Rosentreter (Ben) and Susan Gerds (Lynn).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Benke; brothers, Tom Benke and William Benke; and sisters, Junice Meyer and Donna Weegman.

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