Carl Willard Bengston

Carl Willard Bengston, son of John William and Hildur Carolina Ekholm Bengston was born October 2, 1932, at Grace Hospital Hutchinson, KS. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Willard passed away on the land he had lived for 91 years. 

Willard grew up in the Windom community and the Andover Lutheran Church area where he was baptized and confirmed. He attended a one room country school, Hayes Center, where he graduated the 8th grade. He then attended Windom High School, graduating in 1950. Willard grew up raising sheep and cattle. He also enjoyed trapping animals for their fur. At that time, fur was valuable, and it helped him to support himself in grade school and high school. He always enjoyed working with animals. He was always willing to help the neighbors with their cattle when an issue would arise. After graduating from high school, he knew he would be drafted into the military during the Korean conflict. He decided to enlist into the Army and get training for carburetor and ignition repair on military equipment at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. He was stationed in Europe and spent six months at Mainz, Germany and two years at Braconne and La Rochelle, France. During that time, he also served in the Honor Guard. After serving from March 1953 to March 1956, he was honorably discharged. He returned to Windom and began his 35 year career at Skelly Underground Storage, Conway, Kansas.

Home from the Army, Willard attended an Inman High School basketball game, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Ensz. They were married July 14, 1957. The marriage was blessed with three sons. Upon retiring from Skelly, Willard and Joyce were able to travel across the United States and Canada. One of Willard’s joys was fishing, he enjoyed taking his sons to Minnesota yearly to fish. Later when he had grandchildren, his sons and grandchildren took him fishing on Lake Texoma and Table Rock Lake. Willard taught his sons that there was nothing they could not do, and he was always very proud of what they accomplished. One of Willard’s greatest joys was his sons, grandchildren, their spouses and great grandchildren. Most live nearby so there is always a lot of interaction with all the generations. Family gatherings of nieces, nephews, and cousins were entertaining, and stories of the old days abound.

In 2017, the decision was made to join the Zoar church in Inman, where Joyce grew up. 

Survivors include his wife, Joyce (Ensz) Bengston of the home; three sons, Brad (Joni) Bengston, Vince (Debra) Bengston, and Shanon (Julie) Bengston; grandchildren, Clarissa (Richard) Moorman, Ryan (Vanessa) Bengston, Veronica (Ethan) Galimore, Carl (Callie) Bengston, Tyler (Trisha) Bengston, Wyatt Bengston, Ashley Bengston, and Janelle Bengston; great grandchildren, Matilda Moorman, Leif Moorman, Johannah Galimore, William Bengston, Aria Bengston, and Grayson Bengston; Step Grandchildren, Bridgette (Tyler) Crosson, Zack Blomquist, and Layne Blomquist; step great grandchildren, Kinsley Crosson, Colton Crosson, Ila Crosson, Alainah Galimore, and Braxton Galimore; special caregiver Pam Thiessen; sister in law Carole Bengston and many nieces, nephews, cousins who were near and dear to his heart, as well as other relatives and a host of friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Evert (Bernice) Bengston, Chet (Treva) Bengston, Arvid (Marcia) Bengston, and Virgul Bengston; sisters, Gloria (Marvin) Plooster and Carolyn Hannah; and niece Sheryl Miller and her husband John. 

Per Willard’s request, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at North Inman Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Zoar Mennonite Brethren Church, and all are invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Reno County, Zoar MB Church, or the Windom Senior Center, all in care of Inman Funeral Home; PO Box 490, Inman, KS 67546. 

To leave a condolence for the family, visit: www.inmanfh.com. 

 The family deeply thanks Dr. Starkey, Dr. Hagley, and all the caregivers who helped Willard through his final journey.

 Willard’s family wishes to express sincere appreciation for your prayers and kindness, evidenced in thought and deed, and for your presence at the service.