Harry Leroy Bebensee 6/29/1931 – 12/24/2018
Harry was born to Harry Henry and Christina Mabel (Clausen) Bebensee on June 29, 1931 in Atlantic, IA. Harry grew up on family farms in Wiota, IA, and graduated valedictorian from Wiota High School. Harry then joined the Army, serving for 8 years and attaining the rank of Sergeant (E5). With his passing, he is now reunited with his parents and sister, Elaine (husband Lloyd) Tawzer of Wiota. He is survived by his brother Paul (wife Donna) Bebensee of Des Moines, IA.
Harry married the love of his life, Marilyn Ruth Minor, on Valentine’s Day, 1953. In 2018 they celebrated 65 years together in marriage. While in the service, they were stationed at several locations across the mid-west. When Harry left the Army, they moved to Des Moines to raise their children, and this is also where he received a pharmacy degree from Drake University. Harry worked for Walgreens as a Pharmacy Manager soon after his graduation. Subsequently, Harry and Marilyn opened their first pharmacy, Johnston Pharmacy, in Johnston, IA where he became lovingly known as “Harry the Apothecary.”
Marilyn and Harry worked very closely together to take care of many of their customers and doctors in that area. After his children graduated from Johnston High School, both he and his wife moved to Dallas Center and started a new pharmacy there, Harry’s DC Drug.
Harry and Marilyn have four children: Debra L. Bejarno (husband Dave) in Dallas Center, Sarah Jayne Severs (husband Robert) in Johnston, Jeffrey L. Bebensee (wife Julia) in West Des Moines, and Dawn M. LaLiberte (husband Brian) in Gilbert, AZ.
They are blessed with ten grandchildren: Timothy Bejarno (wife Jill), Joe Bejarno (wife Carin) and Marco Bejarno (wife Betsy), Jon Cheely (wife Samara), Krystal Malloy (husband Chris), Stephanie Peters (husband Jeffrey), Courtney Bebensee, Kaitlyn Bebensee, Cameron LaLiberte, and Chase LaLiberte.
They are also blessed with 16 great grandchildren: Bejarno Family [Zach, Justine, Lily, Zara, Jaxton, Max, Nora, Merritt, Grady and Jada], Cheely Family [Brennan, Kyan, Steven, Caden, Justice and Jadon.
All during the time of running a pharmacy 24/7, the couple enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s sports and school activities. Harry was the announcer for many of his grandchildren’s high school baseball games, both in Iowa and Arizona. They were honored by the Booster Club and Iowa Governor Branstad for their fund raising activities in high school sports. They always had sports sweatshirts and jackets on sale at their store.
Harry and Marilyn retired to Arizona at the turn of the millennia. They enjoyed many years together in the warm sun with family and friends in their community. They attended Springs Chapel in Mesa, Arizona.
Harry crossed over to heaven with the help of those already there on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2018 at the age of 87. He was surrounded by family and went peacefully to the Lord to celebrate Christmas with Jesus this year. Harry touched countless hearts and souls and will be missed by all.