Dr. Dennis D. Bejot passed away May 8, 2021, in Lincoln. He was the son of Jesse Francis Bejot and Leah Ida (Primmer) Bejot and was born Oct. 13, 1935, at Ainsworth.
He attended and was graduated from Ainsworth Public High School in 1953. Farmed with his father and brother, Francis Bejot, for three years. During the winter months, he attended and was graduated from the Grand Island Business College in January 1956. Enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1956, and was discharged in March of 1959. Two of the years were spent in Tokyo, Japan. He returned home and farmed and fed cattle with his brother Francis for three years before attending the University of Nebraska in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska in Vocational Education with a teaching certificate in 1966. He received a Master of Science Degree with a major in Vocational Education and minor in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska in 1968. Later on he returned to college and received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Adult Education from Iowa State University in 1981.
In 1968, he accepted the Agriculture Agent position in Buffalo County. In 1970, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Seward County. In 1981, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Sarpy County and in 1989, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Douglas County, Kansas. He retired June 30, 1999, and returned to Seward. In retirement, he spent 13 years as a substitute teacher in the high schools of Seward, Utica and Milford.
He served on numerous committees, at the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University. He served as a county extension agent trainer during his tenure in Seward County. Served on numerous city and county committees in each county where he was employed. Developed major educational programming in “Irrigation Scheduling” in Seward County, a “4H Citizenship” Program in Sarpy County and a “Master Gardener” program in Douglas County, Kansas. He was a member of the chamber of commerce in each county that he served. He belonged to Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and Elks clubs at various locations. Received many awards, such as, the Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service as well as the Outstanding Assistance Award from Southeast Community College. Also many certificates from groups and organizations for work that was accomplished. He served on many United Methodist Church committees throughout the years. Dr. Bejot was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church.
He married Janet LaRae Hitchcock on Dec. 30, 1956, at Ainsworth. To this union, two sons were born. Mark David Bejot on June 26, 1960, at Ainsworth, and David Lee Bejot on Dec. 13, 1965, at Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Francis Bejot and Leah Ida (Primmer) Bejot; brothers, Francis Bejot, Victor Calvin Bejot and Lewis Eugene Bejot; sister, Mary Lou Van Doozer; and daughter-in-laws, Julie Marie (Rathje) Bejot and Patti Willis Bejot.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; sons, Mark David Bejot of Maywood and David Lee Bejot (Cindy) of Temperance, Michign; granddaughters, Lorinda (Bejot) Mollenkamp and husband, Joe Mollenkamp of Aviano, Italy, and Megan Marie Bejot of Syracuse; great-grand son, Jesse Mollenkamp, Italy; sister, Lorideen May Larabee of Neligh; and sister-in-law, Melba (Waits) Bejot, of Ainsworth; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.
Visitation is from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Volzke Funeral Home in Seward. A funeral service is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 13, at the Seward United Methodist Church. Committal with full military honors is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kiwanis Parade of Flags in Seward. Condolences may be left for the family at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
