Norman Carroll Bensene

Norman Carroll Bensene, son of Glenn and Daisy Johnson Bensene, was born December 10th, 1928 in his maternal grandfather's home in Spencer, Iowa. Norman was raised in Fostoria, Iowa where his parents owned and operated The Bensene Hardware & Blacksmith Shop. Norman attended Summit # 1 country school through 8th grade. Norman was instrumental in forming The Spencer Skyhawk's Flying Club. Norman started building model airplanes at the age of 7, a hobby that would continue throughout his life. He graduated from Spencer High with the class of 1946. After graduation, he was accepted to the Electronic Institute of Omaha, NE, after which he accepted a job at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA. Norm joined the United States Navy in 1950, taking his training at Great Lakes, Illinois. While stationed in North Island, San Diego he married his hometown sweetheart, Adeline Freeburg, March 15th, 1952. To this union was born four daughters, Barbara, Teresa, Janeen and Susan. Norman was deployed with Naval Air squadrons aboard seven aircraft carriers during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was an instructor in A.E. school in Jacksonville, Florida for 6 years, and Aircraft Maintenance Coordinator for three years in Memphis, Tennessee. Norm was commissioned as Warrant Officer in Pensacola, FL in 1967. He received many medals and letters of commendations during his naval career. Norman retired from the navy in 1971 moving back to Spencer where he worked at Van Ladder, Eaton Corporation, Evergreen Hardware of Casa Grande, AZ, Milford Nursing Home and Splash and Sparkle Car Wash. He also enjoyed working maintenance for the Clay County Fair for 10 years. Norm graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College in 1980 with an Associate of Arts Degree. Norm was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Jacksonville, FL in 1957. He served First English Lutheran Church of Spencer Iowa as usher, and on the Board of Elders. As a member of Gideon's International he served as Chaplain, President and Treasurer. Norm was a consecutive 25 year member of the American Legion serving Glen Pederson Post #1 as second and first vice and a member of the rifle squad. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adeline of 60 years, son-in-law Danny Kelley and his beloved dog Shaatzie. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Barbara Bensene of Spencer, Teresa Jones (Allen) of Bakersfield, CA, Janeen Lillie (Dr. Greg Lillie) of Pensacola, FL, Susan Hoeppner (Darwin) of Spencer, six grandchildren, Brandon Fischer (Sarah) of Fairhope, AL, Chelsea Waiton (Tyler) of Camarillo, CA, Karli Kelley (Matt Norman) of Spencer Beau Lillie of Wauwatosa, WI, Silas Hoeppner (Stephanie) of Ankeny, IA. and Levi Kruch (Jen) of Napa, CA, great-grandchildren Westin Smith, Isla and Harryson Hoeppner, Lucas Fischer, Harper and Hudson Waiton, and baby boy Kruch due in July, and cousins Jim Peterson of Fort Dodge, IA, and Bonnie Hoover of Spencer.

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