Frederick G. Bentjen

Frederick G. Bentjen, 77, of Pender, NE, died on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE.  The funeral service for Fred will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church west of Pender.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Fred was born in Pender, the son of Otto and Deloris (Beck) Bentjen.  He graduated from Thurston High School in 1963.  On April 2, 1967, Fred was united in marriage to Lori Thomsen at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.  To this union, four children were born: Mike, Pam, Jana and Brad.  He worked for a few years at the ASCS office in Walthill before working at Merry Grain and Lumber in Thurston.  He then went on to work for the Farmer’s Union Co-op in Pender for the next 37 years, where he became the manager.  Following his retirement, Fred worked at Mel’s Small Engine in Bancroft for a few years.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, helping his neighbors, mowing and spending time with his grandchildren, and attending their events.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Bentjen of Pender; sons, Mike (Gretchen) Bentjen of Papillion, and Brad (Melinda) Bentjen of Waverly; daughter, Pam (Matt) Peters of Pender; thirteen grandchildren, Bailey Bentjen, Adam Bentjen, Natalie Bentjen, Hannah Leddy (Fernando Lopez), Ethan Leddy, Seth Leddy, Brant (Dakota) Peters, Logan Peters, Braden Peters, Easton Bentjen, Sam Bentjen, Ellie Bentjen, and Evan Bentjen.  Fred is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Wyleigh Peters, Ryatt Peters, Alma Lopez-Leddy, Luigi Lopez-Leddy; sisters, Sara Sue (Eric) Larson of Homer, Nancy (Dave) Johnson of Pender, Eleanor Baier of Pender; brother, Chuck (Donna) Bentjen of Beatrice; mother-in-law, Phyllis Thomsen of Pender; brothers-in-law, Dennis Glissman of Papillion, Martin Christiansen of Lexington, and Keith (Jane) Thomsen of Pender; sister-in-law, Bev Novak of Pender; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jana Bentjen; grandson, Kyle Bentjen; sisters, Shirley Glissman, and Peg Christiansen; father-in-law, Elmer Thomsen; brother-in-law, Curt Novak; and a nephew, Randy Novak.