LaVera Marie Benischek was born Nov. 16, 1925, to Alva and Marie (Lostroh) Hoppmann in Pleasant Dale.
Her father was a farmer, her mother was a homemaker. The family home was northwest of Emerald. She had an older brother, Orville. She attended a one-room school house, then Emerald High and graduated from Malcolm High School in 1942. After school, she attended Lincoln School of Commerce. Many classmates went off to war, including William Benischek, who returned from the Pacific after serving in the Navy. They were married May 6, 1947, in Lincoln. For many decades, she was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. LaVera took her degree and for many years was the bookkeeper at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds. Later on, she would find her career and life-long friends as a transcriber for the Nebraska Legislature.
LaVera and William built their lives in the Village of Malcolm. They would have three children. William, Russell and Barbara – all who would also graduate from Malcolm High. She was active in the town’s happenings and knew everyone. The family was active in the Malcolm Methodist Church, and LaVera remained a member for the rest of her life. She was a master crossword puzzler, card player and reader.
The family enjoyed traveling. From Hawaii, the World's Fair on the west coast, up and down the east coast and over to Europe, LaVera explored the world.
William passed away in 1985. LaVera continued to travel with friends and family, most notably with Opal Frost, William’s sister. Over the years, LaVera supported and cheered for her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whether it be music, drama or sports, many of them also Malcolm Clippers. LaVera was blessed to live independently in her hometown until recently.
With her passing on July 13, 2023, she left behind many who loved and cared for her. Her children, Russell (Suzanne), Barbara (Robert), daughter-in-law, Kathleen, many grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren. She joins the saints on the other side, most notably her parents; brother, Orville and sister-in-law, Hannora; son, William G; and her husband of 38 years, William F.
A memorial service will be at the Malcolm United Methodist Church on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. Reception and a graveside service will follow. Memorial contributions are suggested to Nebraska Public Media, Malcolm Methodist Church, Malcolm Public School Scholarship Fund or to the Malcolm Fire Department.
