VELZA L. BEHNKE
The funeral service for Velza L. Behnke will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Britton. Rev. Lloyd Redhage will officiate and burial will be at the Britton Cemetery under the direction of the Price Funeral Chapel.
Velza Lois Litch was born November 5, 1932 on a farm southeast of Britton in Marshall County, SD to Ralph and Dorothea (Berger) Litch. Her family lived on various farm sites in the Marshall County area. After completing her education, she worked for area farm families as a housekeeper and child care provider.
On August 9, 1954 she was united in marriage to Merle Albert Behnke in Webster, SD. The couple made their home on Merle’s farm, six miles east, a mile north and a quarter mile east of Britton. Velza helped with the farm chores, raising chickens, and other miscellaneous farm duties. She enjoyed baking, crocheting, tatting, sewing and canning. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed caring for her African Violets. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats.
After Merle passed away on March 21, 2012, Velza entered a nursing home. She had suffered with Alzheimer’s for over fifteen years. She passed away peacefully under the care of hospice on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Strand-Kjorsvig Rest Home in Roslyn, SD at the age of 89.
Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Glen (Penny) Behnke of Britton; a grandson, Kent Johnsen of Aberdeen, SD; two step-grandchildren: Courtney (Gary) Brassfield of Britton and Chris Dorothy of Watertown, SD; five step great-grandchildren: Kaylin Dorothy of San Francisco, CA, Sterling and Canyon Brassfield of Britton, Jaxon and Carly Dorothy of Watertown; a son-in-law, Lyle Johnsen of Aberdeen; and several nieces and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by her husband; her daughter, Connie Johnsen; her parents; a step grandson, Chad Dorothy; five brothers and their wives: Earl (Delia) Litch, Ivan (Leona) Litch, Donald R. (Shirley) Litch, Warren (Donna) Litch and Clayton (Faye) Litch; and one sister, Ella Litch.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Glen Behnke – 42974 109th Ave. – Britton, SD 57430.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.pricefuneralchapel.net.