Family Log-In

Click Here

CLARA L. BENZEL

Clara Leona Benzel, born Clara Leona Glanz on June 30, 1922, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, October 12th in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Clara’s name to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Clara was preceded in death by her cherished daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Lee Benzel, her husband Dan Benzel, parents John B. and Mollie Glanz, her step-mother Opal Glanz, two brothers Leroy and Harold Glanz and her sister Lucille Martin.

Clara, the oldest of six children, was born in Minatare, NE to John B. and Marie (Kukez) Glanz and spent most of her life in Sidney NE. She and Dan married on May 14, 1944 in Sidney and were married for 50 years. They farmed west of Sidney for five years and then Clara assisted her husband in operating Benzel Iron and Metal for 16 years. She later worked at Beverly Nursing Home for 25 years, starting as a cook and later became the dietician planning the meals served daily. Still not wanting to fully retire at the age of 75, she cooked the noon meal at the Sidney Senior Center where she would often say most of the diners were younger than her. As the oldest of seven children, Clara learned to cook at a very early age. She especially enjoyed making homemade jelly, popcorn balls and cinnamon rolls for her family.

Clara owned and loved dogs and leaves behind her beloved dachshund Cassie.

Clara is survived by her son Jerald Benzel and wife Robin, granddaughter Tonya Thornton, grandson Casey Benzel, two step granddaughters Jordan and Chloe Jeter, two great grandchildren Kristen Fontenot and Justin Thornton, two great-great grandsons Hunter and Hudson House. Other survivors include two brothers, John Glanz, Greeley, CO and Leslie Glanz of Sidney. Clara also leaves behind many other cherished family members, friends, and Larry Fisbeck whom she often referred to as her “other son”.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC was in charge of Clara’s care and funeral arrangements.