Bennie Nowek

Bennie Herman Nowek, 102, of Larimore, passed away February 10, 2023 in the Good Samaritan Center.   He was born on August 23, 1920 in Michigan, ND the son of William and Pauline (Krumpos) Nowek.

Bennie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He grew up in Conway, ND and in 1934, with a quarter in his pocket, left to conquer the world.  He joined the Marine Corp. in 1942 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.  He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1946.  After the war, Bennie worked for McCanna Farming and then in 1948 went to work for McCanna Farmers Elevator until his retirement in 1985, working part-time until 1999.  He married Wilma Baker-Gabb McLean on October 9, 1954.  They settled in McCanna, ND and over the years raised four children in the home they built.

Bennie loved the outdoors, hunting geese and ducks.  He was a proud veteran, active in the Larimore American Legion as adjutant for 17 years and an Honor Guard member paying respect to his fellow veterans from 1965 until the age of 96 when he stepped down.  For 38 years he made sure flags were placed on the graves of veterans at Elk Valley and Elm Grove churches.  He served his church and community as a councilman for Elk Valley Church and an assessor for the Elm Grove Township.

He is survived by his wife Wilma; son, James (Helen) McLean; daughter, Jane (Dennis) Straus and son, Todd (Joan) Nowek.  Grandchildren Rodney McLean, Ryan (Jenny) McLean, Josh Straus, and Justin (Morgan) Straus; and great-grandchildren Russell, Renae, Madison, and Connor.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, 1 brother and daughter Judy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore.  Visitation at 9:00 a.m.  Interment will be held in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Larimore American Legion Ted Valerius Post 97.