Benjamin Leo MENNENGA

MENNENGA, GRUIS, PALS, KREBS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/21/2007 at 19:35:25

October 8, 2002

Benjamin Leo Mennenga, 93, a life long resident of the Belmond and Meservey areas, died on Monday, October 7, 2002, at the Belmond Health Care Center. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 10, 2002, at the Immanuel Reformed Church east of Belmond, with Rev. Robert Ford officiating. Burial was in the Immanuel Reformed Cemetery. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Music was provided by Shirley Kuhlers, organist and Jerry Boelman, soloist. Ushers were Don Braner and Alvin Braner. Casket bearers were Duane Mennenga, Mike Mennenga, Lynn Mennenga, Alan Mennenga, Larry Mennenga and Darin Mennenga.

Ben, the son of Johannes and Kate (Gruis) Mennenga, was born on January 26, 1909, on his parents farm in rural Meservey. He graduated from the Belmond High School. Following high school he began his life long career in farming. He had worked for a time as a hired hand. Ben was united in marriage to Grace Pals on March 5, 1936, at the Immanuel Reformed Church Parsonage. Following their marriage the couple farmed south of Meservey for many years. He loved to work the land and his horses. Ben retired from farming in the late 1970's and the couple moved into Belmond. Grace preceded Ben in death on November 3, 1990. He continued to live on his own until becoming a resident of the Belmond Health Care Center. Ben was an active member of the Immanuel Reformed Church for most of his life. He had served as a deacon, elder, and sang in the church choir and Mennenga Quartet. He will be remembered as being meticulous and hardworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace; and two brothers, Harry and Elmer. Survivors include his sister, Edna Mae Krebs and her husband, A. T. (Ted) of Crete, Illinois; and a brother, Loren Mennenga and his wife, Cindy of Belmond; and also numerous nieces and nephews.

©Belmond Independent 2002