Robert Bense

Robert A. "Bob" Bense, age 87, of Grey Eagle, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at his home in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 13 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Mike Bitz officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Grey Eagle.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Robert Alton Bense was born April 18, 1928 in Grey Eagle Township, Todd County, Minnesota to Herman and Elsie (Schwanke) Bense. On September 19, 1950 he married Darlene Kleinschmidt at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle. Together the couple farmed southeast of Grey Eagle and after retiring, they continued to help out on the family farm. During the early years of farming, Bob worked at Franklin in St. Cloud for a number of years (now known as Electrolux Home Products). Bob was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle and served on the Grey Eagle Township Board for many years.

In his younger years, Bob enjoyed snowmobiling and working with draft horses. Later he enjoyed collecting antiques and toy tractors, going to auctions, playing cards, listening to Polka music, an occasional trip to the casino, and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Darlene Bense of Grey Eagle; children, Bonnie (Joe) Kemper of Grey Eagle, Connie (Gene) Waldvogel of Grey Eagle, Donnie Bense of Grey Eagle, and Pam (Mark) Dziengel of Grey Eagle; four grandchildren, Kelly Burg, Bob Waldvogel, Katie Dziengel, Nic Dziengel; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Shelby, and Justin Burg; and brother, Ray (Ruth) Bense of Grey Eagle.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother and sister, William and Unalane.

Casket bearers will be Nic Dziengel, Mark Dziengel, Tom Bense, Bob Waldvogel, Gene Waldvogel, and Chris Bense.