Benjamin E. Gottschalk

Benjamin E. Gottschalk, 87, died Tuesday (July 2, 2002) at Community Hospital in McCook.

He was born Oct. 17, 1914, to Herbert and Elizabeth (Deyle) Gottschalk at the family home seven miles south of Max, in Dundy County. As a child, he attended country school - District #52, near his home through the eighth grade. He is a 1933 graduate of Benkelman High School.

After high school he farmed until 1943 when he entered the United States Army as a member of the signal corps during World War II. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home where he farmed until he retired in the late 1970's.

On Oct. 8, 1950, he married Viola Johnston in Longmont, Colo.

He was a member of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Robert Gottschalk.

Survivors include his wife, Viola Gottschalk of McCook; four daughters, Barbara Gottschalk and husband, Cemil Ulus of Detroit, Mich., Norma Jean Gottschalk and husband, Glen Ferguson of Suwanee, Ga., Kathy Andrews and husband, Tom also of Suwanne and Janet Gottschalk of Dallas, Texas; one sister, Louise Larrick of Englewood, Colo.; and three grandsons.

Services were Saturday, 10:30 a.m. (MDT) at Forch Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bruce Lester officiating. Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Cancer Society or to Hester Memorial Home of Benkelman.

Forch Funeral Home of Benkelman was in charge of the arrangements.