Benna, Vern A. (1917-1999)

BENNA, SPAR, GALBRAITH, MADSON, WILL, EDDIE, RICHARD, MINARD, SANDINE, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 3/7/2016 at 13:22:36

Vern A. Benna
August 5, 1917 - February 27, 1999

The third child of George and Edith (Spar) Benna, Vernhard August was born on August 5, 1917, in rural Albert City, Iowa. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage. Baptized and confirmed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albert City, he remained a faithful and active member until his death.

Vern attended school in Albert City through the eighth grade after which his help was needed at home. A hard and diligent worker, he had several jobs early on. He mowed the railroad right of-way for $.60 an hour with his own team of horses and mower; he slip scraped the pits for the elevator; he loaded and unloaded coal by hand with his brother Bart; and he worked for farmers in the area.

On November 26, 1938, he was united in Christian marriage to Lois Galbraith. In due time, they had three children: Darryl Fay, Sherryl Sue, and Pamela Kay. In the meantime, Vern continued his work as a hired man until 1942 when he and Lois were able to rent land and start farming on their own. They raised livestock including a large Holstein herd. Regrettably, Lois died on July 8, 1960, leaving Vern with three children.

An active member of the community, Vern served on the Farmers Co-op Elevator Board and the Farmers Co-op Creamery Board for many years. After his children left home, he started his Shetland pony hobby, which grew to national prominence. In November, 1998, he was inducted into the National Shetland Pony Hall of Fame in Seattle, Washington.

Vern worked hard his entire life from sunrise to sunset, and he always said that the early morning was the best time of the day. Anyone who stopped by to visit was always welcome and invited in for coffee. Unassuming, thoughtful, and honest, he could strike up a conversation easily. Vern loved entertaining and spending time with his family at home on his birthday, with a baseball game in the pasture and pony rides, and with family get-togethers at Christmas. In short, he loved following their activities.

Vern died at home on February 27, 1999, doing what he loved best, taking care of his ponies.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois; his parents, George and Edith Benna; a grandson, Mike Madson; two brothers, Bart and George (Judge); and two sisters, Marie ("Dolly") and May.

To mourn his passing, he leaves his children: Darryl and Karen Benna, of Albert City, Sherryl and Duane Madson, also of Albert City, and Pam and Randy Will, of Hampton; his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kim and Mike Masters and Logan and Slone, of Albert City; Jeff and Tammy Benna and Tatum, Chase, and Lawton, of Perry; Kama and Kirby Eddie and Trae and Chase, of Clive; Stacy and Jenny Benna, and Skyler, Spencer, and Syndie, of Albert City; Steve and Denise Madson and Cole, of Omaha, Nebraska; Jill Benna, of Des Moines, and Ben Will, of Hampton; his brothers and sisters: Vincent, of Storm Lake, Leon, of Ankeny, Hildegard Richard, of Storm Lake, June Minard, of St. Maries, Idaho, Joyce Sandine, of Alta, and Anita Williams, of Ottawa, Kansas; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Vern Benna were held Tuesday, March 2, 1999, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Albert City. Pastor Marvin Robeck officiated. Organist was Lorraine Schramm and vocalist was Arland Bloom. Adelia Roberts, Lucille Skog, and Doris Skog served on the flower committee. Pallbearers were Jeff Benna, Kama Eddie, Ben Will, Stacy Benna, Steve Madson and Mike Masters. Burial was in the Fairfield Township Cemetery, Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

“Vern Benna..” Obituary. Storm Lake Times, 03 March 1999, 8. (Storm Lake Public Library).