Lucille L. "Lucy" (Von Dielingen) Bengtson, 84, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Accura Healthcare (Elm Heights Care Center) in Shenandoah.  Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00 am at Essex Cemetery with Rev. Rick Sleyster officiating.  Everyone is encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to the graveside.  There will be open viewing and visitation beginning Thursday morning, October 8, 2020 at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  The family will greet relatives and friends with visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday evening at Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service.   Social distancing and face masks are suggested.   Memorials in Lucy's name are being directed to either the Essex Presbyterian Church or the Shenandoah Food Pantry. 

OBITUARY

Lucille Louise Bengtson, daughter of John and Louise (Meyers) Von Dielingen, was born on August 15, 1936 on a farm in Page County, Iowa near Clarinda.  She entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning, October 4, 2020 at Accura Healthcare of Shenandoah, receiving her wings at the age of 84 years, 1 month, 19 days.

Growing up in rural Clarinda, Lucy attended country school through the eighth grade.  She then attended Clarinda High School, graduating with the CHS Class of 1955.  Following graduation, she attended Clarinda Junior College, receiving her associate degree in Teaching.

On November 22, 1956, Lucy was united in marriage to John Robert Bengtson in Clarinda.  They made their home on the family farm north of Essex, Iowa, where they raised their three daughters, Lisa, Brenda and Patti.  Early on in their marriage, Lucy taught school in Essex and Red Oak.  After the girls arrived, she worked as substitute teacher along with helping part-time at Johnson’s Locker in Essex and assisting John on the farm as needed.

Family was always most important to Lucy.  She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.  She was active with the Page County Cowbell’s, various church groups, particularly enjoying the church quilting group and the Merry Mixers.  She was a longtime member of the Essex Presbyterian Church and a past member of the Essex School Board.  Lucy loved to attend all family gatherings, dancing, playing cards, golfing and going south for the winter.

Preceding Lucy in death were her parents; sister, Lois Steeve; and two brothers, Emmett and Elmer Von Dielingen.  Left to cherish her memory is her husband of over 63 years, John Bengtson of Essex, IA; three daughters, Lisa Calvert and husband Jim of Guthrie Center, IA, Brenda Carnagey and husband Tim of Altoona, IA and Patti Hascall and husband Clint of Essex, IA; six grandchildren, Ashley (John) Smith, Jodi (Joel) Ahrendsen, Lindsay Calvert, Justine Carnagey, Jared Calvert and Averie Hascall; four great grandchildren, Evelyn, Louis and Greta Ahrendsen and Myla Smith; sister, Leona Westphal of Corning, IA; brother-in-law, Joe and Judy Bengtson of Shenandoah, IA; two sisters-in-law, Marcene Von Dielingen of Clarinda, IA and Barbara Von Dielingen of Red Oak, IA; other relatives; and many friends.