iN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Frieda Bentz

Services for Frieda Johanna Backhus Bentz, 103, who passed away Jan. 6, 2022, at her residence in rural Tampa, were 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tampa. Pastor Clark M. Davis officiated.

Interment was at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, four miles north of Tampa.

Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Jost Funeral Home, Hillsboro.

Frieda was born Jan. 27, 1918, the fifth child of John and Helena (Ottensmeier) Backhus.

She had eight brothers and three sisters.

Her death was three weeks short of her 104th birthday.

On March 14, 1943, Frieda married Otto A. Bentz at St. John’s Lutheran Church north of Tampa. She moved one section over from home.

To this union one son, Alan Leon, was born Sept. 26, 1953.

Together Otto and Frieda farmed and raised stock cattle and dairy cows.

In the 1950s they became full-time dairy farmers. Frieda milked the cows twice a day until the family sold the herd in 2012. She worked alongside Otto in the field, fixing fence or wherever her help was needed.

During the winter months, Frieda would find time for crafts, sewing, and quilting. One winter was for piecing quilt blocks together, the next winter the quilt frames came out after Christmas and she spent many hours hand-stitching quilts.

Frieda was a canner, gardener, cook, and baker. She also had an amazing green thumb growing houseplants. Her favorite plants were Christmas cacti and she would get excited when they bloomed.

She was also known as a caregiver, always willing to take care of her family when they were sick, recovering from surgery, or just needed help.

She was active in her church and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Her faith in God was strong. She believed in the power of prayer and that God will provide.

She leaves behind daughter-in-law Virginia Bentz, granddaughter Cheri Bentz, great-grandson Tyler (and wife Jessica) Bentz and great-great-grandson Jase; brother Wilbert (and wife Donna) Backhus of Tampa; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Otto in 2009; son Alan in 2021; parents; brothers Erwin, Emil, Adolph, Harry, John, Edwin, and Herbert Backhus; and sisters Alma Meyer, Ella Heidemann, and Wilma Nunn.

A memorial has been established with the church in care of Jost Funeral Home, PO Box 266, Hillsboro KS 67063.

Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.