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Bensink, Gradus Lee 1927-2011

BENSINK, VAN ZANTE, DE KRUYFF, SLYKHUIS, VERWERS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 6/17/2021 at 19:00:17

Gradus Bensink
November 01, 1927 -
Gradus' Story

Gradus Lee Bensink was born November 1, 1927, to Arie G. and Gertie Van Zante Bensink. He grew up on a farm and attended Battle Ridge country school in Marion County. On June 8, 1949, Gradus was united in marriage with Wilma Reva De Kruyff in Sully, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: David and Scott. Gradus and Wilma farmed until 1960 when they moved to Otley. Gradus worked at the Grandia Locker for twelve years, then the Co-op Station and later operated the LP tank truck. In November of 1992, he retired and then started working mornings at Precision Pulley & Idler in Pella for the next five years. Gradus was a faithful member of the Otley Reformed Church. He went on several mission trips: Oklahoma, Texas, Mexico, and took nine trips to Haiti. Gradus was on the board for the Garden Chapel Funeral Home for nine years. He enjoyed doing construction work and working in his shop where he made wooden patio furniture. He also enjoyed working in his garden and taking care of his apple trees. He made daily visits to the Otley Co-Op for coffee and later when it wasn’t possible for him to travel to Otley, he joined the breakfast group at HyVee in the morning and again for coffee in the afternoon.

Gradus went to his heavenly home Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of eighty-three. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly sixty-two years, Wilma, his two sons and their wives: David and Janice Bensink of Pella and Scott and Debbie Bensink of Monroe; four granddaughters; five great-grandchildren and expecting baby Krubeck; four nieces; and six nephews.

Gradus was preceded in death by his parents Arie and Gertie Bensink; two sisters and their husbands Agnes and Martin Slykhuis and Wilma and William Verwers; parents-in-law John and Cora De Kruyff; and sister-in-law Ada De Kruyff.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 9, 2011, at the Otley Reformed Church. Inurnment took place at the Oakwood Cemetery. The Pella Garden Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
Published on May 13, 2011


 

Marion Obituaries maintained by Allen Hibbard.
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