Leona M. Benck

Funeral services for Leona Benck, 95, of Lewisville, MN will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, Lewisville with Rev. Brian Thorson officiating. Interment will be held at Fairview Memorial Park, of Fairmont. Leona died on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 5-8:00 pm at Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service of Truman and one hour before the services in the church. She was born August 13, 1920 to Fred and Frieda (Hinrichs) Neunschwander, baptized on September 19, 1920 by Rev. C.C. Metz of Northrop and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont on April 14, 1935 by Rev. O.F. Zemke. Leona married Herbert Benck of Granada MN, on November 24, 1938 by Pastor E. Kohrey. Together they raised their three children. They farmed in Martin County until 1957, when they moved to Lewisville and continued farming until Herb’s illness. Leona worked very hard her entire life on the farm and 18 and a half years for Tony Downs of Madelia. She retired in 1986 after the death of Herbert in February. She belonged to many clubs, American Legion Auxiliary of Lewisville, Zion Ladies Aid and her sewing club. She liked to play cards, travel and volunteer in her community. Leona also enjoyed her family and grandchildren. Leona is survived by her son, Earl Dean (Bev) Benck of Vernon Center; daughter, Jo Ann (Arvin) Meyer of Bull Head City, AZ; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Helen (Carl) Hanson of Austin; Darlyne (Jerry) Espland of NE. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herbert; son, Randy (Kay) Benck; brother, Clifford (Phillis) Neunschwander; and dear friend Mervin Wegner.