Martha Benkendorf

Martha Benkendorf, 94, Wishek, North Dakota died Sunday, June 10, 2007, at the Wishek Home for the Aged in Wishek, ND.

Martha Schilling, daughter of George & Katharina (Woehl) Schilling was born December 11, 1912 in Venturia, ND, and baptized on May 4, 1913 at St. John's Lutheran Church southwest of Wishek. Martha grew up on the family farm working with her sisters and brothers in the fields. She received her education in rural Venturia and was confirmed at St. Johns on June 19, 1927.

On October 30, 1932, she married Emanuel Benkendorf at St. John's Lutheran. After their marriage they farmed west of Venturia for seven years before buying their present farm 3 ½ miles south of Wishek. They continued to farm until Emanuel passed away on February 24, 1981. Martha loved living on the farm and continued to live there until October of 1996 when she moved into the Wishek Nursing Home Apartments. In December of 2000, she entered the Wishek Home for the Aged. She continued to live there until her death.

The joys of her life were spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved cooking for them, and every Sunday she would make noodle soup. "Farm Grandma" made the best noodle soup! She loved spending time outdoors. In the "good old days", she enjoyed milking her cows, spending time in her garden, and taking care of her chickens. She and her grandchildren looked forward to the delivery of the new baby chicks every spring. When she couldn't go outside and work, she spent her time crocheting. All who loved her will miss her dearly.

Martha is survived by three daughters; Mildred Weber and Wilma (Andy) Gross, both of Wishek; Terry (Chuck) Schauer of Sioux Falls, SD; two sons, Stanley (Lavina) Benkendorf, Wishek; and Ray (Rachel) Benkendorf, Jacksonville, FL; 15 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and 9 step-great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren and 3 step great-great grandchildren; one brother Adam (Ida) Schilling of Ashley; two sisters, Ida Meidinger and Christine Ottmar both of Wishek.

Visitation is on Wednesday from 10AM - 5PM, and Thursday beginning at 10AM at the Haut Chapel in Wishek. A family prayer service will be on Thursday evening at 7PM at the chapel.

Her funeral service is Friday, June 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wishek, ND, with Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd is officiating.

Interment will be at St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery at Wishek, ND.