Elsie M. Behensky

Elsie was born February 26, 1926 to Joseph and Frances (Brada) Maruska on the family farm near Vodnany, rural Scotland. She was baptized on March 19, 1926 and confirmed in Vodnany, rural Scotland. She started high school in Scotland and had to quit when her mother became ill, she later attained her GED. Elsie married Joseph J. Behensky on November 19, 1946 at S.S. Cyril and Methodes, Vodnany. To this union, two children were born, Charlene and Donald. She farmed with her husband near Wakonda until his death in 1956. At this time, she moved to Wakonda and later purchased a farm near Yankton. Elsie worked for Kochi Motel, Gurneys, Yankton County Extension and took care of her father-in-law for many years.

Elsie enjoyed gardening and had a huge garden. She loved canning her produce and also had many apple trees which she took care of with great pride. She enjoyed sewing and made all of her clothes and all of her daughter’s clothes. She also made quilts which she gave to Charlene and her grandchildren. She took great pride in her quilts. She loved to read and had a great love for the outdoors. She loved going anywhere with her daughter, Charlene and being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were very special to her.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Charlene (Art) Vaith of Lesterville, SD; grandchildren: Sarah (Ken) Girard of Wakonda, SD, Kristie Vaith of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin Vaith of Yankton, SD and Joe (Shana) Vaith of Sioux Falls, SD; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Natalie and Brooke Girard of Wakonda, SD and McKinley Vaith of Sioux Falls, SD.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Joe T. & Frances Maruska; husband, Joe, son, Donald; twin sister, Emma and brother, Joe.