Norman Benning, 85

Norman Benning, 85, of Hampton, passed away November 5, 2021 at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. Funeral services are 10:30 am Friday, November 12, 2021 at the St. Peter's United Church of Christ in rural Geneva with burial in Ingham Township Cemetery in Hansell. Visitation is 4:00- 7:00 pm Thursday at the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton. The family encourages the public to wear a mask for the visitation and the funeral service. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home of Hampton.

Norman was born on October 3, 1936 in Franklin County to Fred and Frances (Schmidt) Benning. He attended a one room school in elementary school and graduated from Geneva High School in 1954. After graduation, Norman served briefly as a member of the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard.

On November 27, 1955, Norman was united in marriage to Delores Heins at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton. Norman and Delores lived near St Peter’s UCC Church, rural Geneva, the first few years of their marriage. They moved to the farm where Delores grew up near Hansell around 1960. That farm became the ‘home place.

Norman milked cows for many years. He spent lots of time with his children baling hay and straw for those cows. Norman loved farming. He especially enjoyed planting and harvest. Despite his health issues, he still climbed up into the combine to ride for one last harvest this fall.
Norman enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He attended many recitals, football/basketball games, track meets, speech contests, cattle shows, graduations and other activities to support them. He was always ready for ice cream when they visited.

Norman is survived by his wife, Delores; children Janet (Dale) Sigmund of Stanhope, Paul (Deb) Benning of Hampton and Regina (Jeff) Hedlesky of St Louis; grandchildren Matthew Sigmund, Laura (Patrick) Huff, April Sigmund, Andrew Benning, Brooke Benning, Alexandra Hedlesky, Capt. Nick (Amy) Hedlesky, Louis Michael Hedlesky, Peter Hedlesky and Chris (Maya) Hedlesky; great-grandchild Thomas Hedlesky and Baby Huff due in December.

He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, LaDonna Benning (infancy) and Joanne Helmts.