Dorothy O'Brien

Dorothy M. O’Brien, age 96, of York, NE, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at York. She was born June 13, 1914 in rural Gresham, NE to Charles and “Mattie” (Heins) Behnken. Dorothy was a 1931 graduate of York High School and attended Kearney State Teachers College. She taught in several York County area schools before retiring from Benedict Public School. Following her retirement from teaching, she worked as a secretary at NPPD for approximately 15 years. Dorothy and Clifford O’Brien were united in marriage on January 6, 1943 at Gresham, NE. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in York. Dorothy enjoyed playing bridge, golf, traveling and time spent with family and friends. She will be remembered as a member of a group of women fondly referred to as the “Benedict Beauties.”

Survivors include eight nephews: Stewart (Nancy) Dey of Lincoln, NE, Steve (Judy) Dey of Gresham, NE, Brian (Melissa) Dey of Lincoln, Jeffrey Garnet of Gresham, Scott Behnken of Lincoln, Curtiss Behnken of Columbus, NE, Craig (Tracy) Behnken of Bennington, NE, and Jerry (Jean Ann) Funk of Enid, OK. Also surviving is a sister-in-law Dorothy Behnken of David City, NE. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, two brothers Dale Behnken and Wayne Behnken; sisters, Opal Dey and Luwana Funk, and infant sister Ruth Behnken.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2010 at Faith Lutheran Church. Graveside services were in York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the church.