Arlene "Tootie" M. Benson

Arlene "Tootie" M. Benson, 92, of Wakefield, Nebraska died on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE. Funeral services for will be Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wakefield, NE: Pastor William Bertrand will be officiating. The visitation will be Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield. Arlene (Tootie) May Benson was born May 12, 1925 to Otto George and Emma Marie (Gottsch) Boock at rural Winside, Nebraska. She attended a rural grade school and Winside high school. Arlene graduated from high school in 1943. A month after graduating Arlene and her parents moved to Wakefield, Nebraska where her father had purchased a business. In the fall of 1943 she met the love of her life, Alfred (Tuffy) Benson. They were married on September 27, 1944. To this union three sons were born; Randall, Vaughn and Michael. Alfred and Arlene owned and operated the Benson Hotel, Grizzly Bar and TNT Motel in Wakefield. Arlene was an avid bowler; participating in bowling leagues for many years, and an accomplished seamstress. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary (47 years) and the VFW Auxiliary. Arlene was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, quilting group, and for many years served on the visitation team. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, three half-brothers: Allan, Violon and Raymond Boock, and her husband, Alfred. She is survived by three sons; Dr. Randall (Judy), Dr. Vaughn (Julie) and Michael (Sandy), six grandchildren; Tiffany Stark, Matthew Benson, Brandon Benson, Dr. Alison Benson, Dr. Lauren Benson-Williamson and Theodore Benson. In addition, there are nine great-grandchildren.