Verla Irene Henke-Bengsch

Verla Irene Henke-Bengsch, age 93 of Township of Springfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, July 28, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 19, 1932 in the Township of Springfield to Theodore and Celia (Puff) Buschke. Verla graduated from Westfield Union High School in 1950. She married Gerhardt “Smokey” Henke on June 17, 1951 in the Township of Springfield, he preceded her in death on August 7, 2004. Verla later married Eldon Bengsch on January 19, 2011 in Westfield, he preceded her in death on July 31, 2020. In her earlier years, Verla was baptized, confirmed, was the church organist and taught Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Township of Springfield. She worked on the Centennial Family Farm beside Smokey and their children. Verla was 4-H General Leader for the Springfield Road Runners, Town Clerk and worked at the polls in the township. As the children grew she went out and worked as a USDA poultry inspector, at Brakebush Brothers, the Amish House and the Artesian Trout Farm. She was a member of VFW Post 8718 Ladies Auxiliary of Westfield for 75 years serving as District President from 1964-1965. Verla enjoyed reading, diamond painting, puzzles, making denim quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and bird/nature watching. She lived her entire life and took pride in the fact that she never moved from the Township of Springfield but above all, family is what was most important to Verla.

Verla is survived by her five children, Marie Hodge, David (Carla), Ronald (Jean), Rebecca Rose and Kay (Eddie) Nelson; 13 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Zeta Booher; step-son, Robert (Kristin) Bengsch; step son-in-law, David Lullo; step-grandchildren; favorite cousin, Harlan Fausch; brothers-in-law, Martin (Betty) Henke and John Duesterhoeft; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Donald; infant daughter; infant granddaughter; great grandson, Ashton; son-in-law, Jerry Hodge; daughter-in-law, Jean Henke; sisters, Stella (Robert) Goldsmith, Wilma Putskey and Neoma (Marlin) Schwersenska; aunt, Edna Fausch; father and mother-in-law, Otto and Dora Henke; sisters-in-law, Gertrude (Harry) Berndt, Caroline Duesterhoeft and Dorothy (Elroy) Schroeder; brothers-in-law, Walter (Hildegard) Henke and Hilbert (Elaine) Henke and step daughter, Carol Lullo.

A visitation for Verla will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jesse Davis officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery, Township of Springfield.

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