Lydia M. (Buls) Berentsen

Lydia M. Berentsen, 99, of Riceville, IA, died Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Riceville Family Care & Therapy Center.

Lydia Minnie Buls was born September 8, 1924 to Alex and Sophia (Stueber) Buls on their farm south of Acme, IA.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elma, IA. 

On September 21, 1945, Lydia was united in marriage to Harold Berentsen at St. Peter’s in Elma, and to this union, 8 children were born. They farmed together until they retired and moved to Riceville in 1974, and then Lydia went into the painting and wallpapering business.  She was active in her church, enjoyed helping others, playing cards, doing puzzles, and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Lydia is survived by her children:  Lucy King of Eyota, MN, Dave (Judy) Berentsen of Cedar Rapids, Al (Dianne) Berentsen of Calera, OK, Linda Blight, Karen (Tom) Anderlik, Kent (Michelle) Berentsen all of Riceville, Julie (Terry) Bell of St. Ansgar, Danny (Kyra) Berentsen of Riceville and “honorary” son Richard Grover; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold on May 3, 1985, son-in-law Neil King, brothers: Walter (Flo) Buls, Clarence (Alvina) Buls and Donald (JoAnn) Buls, sisters: Hilda (Harlan) Averhoff, Lillian (Herb) Eiffler, Esther (Ben) DeVries, infant sister Leona Buls and Loraine (George) Atkins, and in-laws Sally (Jim) Hanna and Ralph Berentsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elma, IA. Burial will take place at Howard Cemetery in Elma. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Riceville on Monday, February 12th and will continue from 10-11 a.m. at the church Tuesday morning.

Lydia’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Riceville Family Care & Therapy Center staff for the wonderful care of our Mother for the past year.

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