Larry Benckeser

Larry Benckeser, 60, of Callaway Ne. long time resident of the Oconto area, passed away in the Callaway Good Samaritan home on Dec. 23, 2009 Funeral services will be held Monday December 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM in the Oconto Community Center in Oconto with Reverend Doug Jones and Reverend Dale Coates officiating. Burial will be in the Oconto Cemetery with Govier Bros. Mortuary of Broken Bow in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held Sunday December 27, 1 PM to 6 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary. Larry was born Dec 8, 1949 to Clifford and Mary Barron Benckeser. He was five minutes older than his twin brother Garry. Larry lived his entire life in the Oconto area and grew up on the family farm southeast on highway 40. Larry attended rural school 245 until it's closure. He then went to school in Oconto and was a member of the class of 1968. Growing up he was a member of the Woodriver Beavers 4-H Club. Larry was a life long member of the Methodist church. He also belonged to the Oconto Lions Club. Larry became affiliated with Mid Nebraska Individual Services and worked in the workshop for several years, where he was taught independent loving. He lived in an apartment in Broken Bow for a while and with the help of his job coach he applied and was able to get a job at Monroe Auto is Cozad. He remained employed there for 20 years. He later worked for a time with Service Master in Kearney. He retired to his home in Oconto and started a lawn service business and mowed the cemetery. Larry loved to go to auctions and would travel to Kearney each week. Of course he could be found at several fishing holes any time, any weather. He loved to play cards and just visit with people. He never did forget a face. He always helped with the county fair and was an Oconto booster. He was always willing to help others. Larry began to need some extra help and he was able to move in with Leroy and Pat Snethen. He was very happy there and had a second family. They had a lot of laughs, a big garden and lots of dogs. Larry had heart by pass surgery in Kearney early 2004. He had a long recovery period in Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Center in Lincoln. He worked very hard to recovery from infections that left him paralyzed and in a wheel chair. He reached his goal of getting rid of the halo, feeding tube and getting movement in his arms again so he could feed himself and operate his chair. He wanted to come home to Callaway by Thanksgiving and he made it. Callaway became his home where he lived for five years. He loved it there and could tease the nurses and help the residents. He liked to get away and go to Wal-Mart or Oconto. He was so lucky to have all the wonderful people there to look after him. He was happiest to visit with any one he knew when he seen them coming up the walk. Proceeding Larry in death was his parents, Cliff and Mary Benckeser and brother-in-law Ronald Bain. Leaving to mourn his passing is twin brother, Garry Benckeser of Oconto, Sisters Pauline Ransley of Livona, Mi., Marlene Bain/Mackey of Eddyville, Ne. Nephews and Nieces and host of friends.