Elaine Elizabeth Bentsen, 80, of Seneca, died on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Life Care Center in Seneca.

Elaine was born on September 20, 1943, to John O. And Leona Cohorst Bentsen. Elaine grew up in the Seneca area and attended the Seneca Public School, graduating in 1961. As a young woman, she worked Kampert Drug Store on Main in Seneca before being employed by Nemaha Valey Community Hospital in Seneca for 48 years.

In her retirement she enjoyed all the reading she never had time to do. She took time to travel and have a flower garden. She also volunteered at the Sts. Peter and Paul Mission Center when time allowed.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society both of Seneca.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, John on July 11, 2000, and Leona on December 20, 1951, and a brother, John Leon Bentsen on August 10, 1948.

She is survived by a brother, Gerald Bentsen of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; a sister, Patricia “Peg” Bentsen of Seneca; a stepbrother, Allan Kramer of Leavenworth, KS; a stepsister, Kathy Warren of Lincoln, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Friday, May 31, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.   Inurnment in the church cemetery.

Memorials can be given in Elaine’s memory to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Building Fund and sent in care of the family.