Bennie Degenstein

Minot

Bennie Degenstein, 91, Minot and formerly of Bergen passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, in his home.

Bennie James Degenstein was born on October 9, 1931, in Drake, ND to Peter and Margaret (Wentz) Degenstein. He was raised on a farm east of Bergen and attended country school. Bennie was drafted into the U.S. Army on June 17, 1952. He served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in Battery “C” of the 887th Battalion on June 10, 1954. During his service he received the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to North Dakota and assisted on the family farm.

Bennie married Joan Mittleider on November 21, 1955, in Minot. They made their home on California Drive for many years. Bennie was employed by Buckingham Freightlines for seventeen years, Midwest Motor Express for ten years and Lewis Truck Line until his retirement in 1991. They continued to reside in Minot. Joan died on April 19, 2022.

Bennie was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where he served as an usher, trustee and was active in the XYZ Senior Fellowship. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union. Bennie especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading and spending the winter months in Arizona.

Bennie’s loving family includes his children: Jeanne (Bill) Kime of Peoria AZ, Kevin (Rebecca) Degenstein of Great Falls MT, Curtis (Janet) Degenstein and Joette Heath all of Minot; grandchildren: Katherine (Zech) Giles, Michael (Tessa) Degenstein, Elizabeth (Joseph) Boone, Jacob Degenstein, Vanessa (Cody) Bruns and Timothy Heath; great-grandchildren: Rylee and Allyson Herrell, Matthew and Caleb Giles, Anna Degenstein, Lily and Pearl Boone, Haidyn Heath and Logan Hoffman; brother: Edward Degenstein of Lodi CA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings: Julia Bergstad, Kate Marback, Elizabeth Smith and Walter, Raymond, and Leonard Degenstein.

Celebration of the Life of Bennie Degenstein: Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. in First Baptist Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service, access the link on the website obituary.

Interment will be in Veteran’s Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Monday, July 24, 2023, from 3-5 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 20, 2023.