Nancy Carolyn Whitmyer, daughter of John Freeman (1910-1999) and Naomi E. (Wilkins) (1910-2004) Whitmyer, was born 7 August 1936, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.  She graduated in 1954 from Okemos High School.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) 24 January 2002

BENGSTON, NANCY C.

GRAND HAVEN

FORMERLY OF LANSING

• Age 65, passed away Tuesday evening, January 22, 2002 in Muskegon.  She was born August 7, 1936 to John F. and Naomi W. (Wilkins) Whitmyer in Lansing.  She married Wayne Koechtges October 1954 and he preceded her in death.  Her husband, Wendell Bengston, preceded her in death in July 1991.  Mrs. Bengston had been an area resident the past 30 years and had been employed in the Trust Dept. of NBD Bank until retirement.  She was a member of Christ Community Church, served with organizations that helped the developmentally challenged, volunteered at North Ottawa Community Hospital and for the Crisis Intervention Center.  Her interests included playing  bridge, golfing, computers and traveling.  Survivors include her daughter, Michelle K. Knechtges, Mason; 2 sons, David O. (Sue) Knechtges, Holt; Thomas W,. (Candice) Knechtges. Lansing, a stepson Robert (Joan) Bengston and stepdaughter Cindy (Mike) Curran, both of Norton Shores; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson; her mother Naomi Whitmyer, Haslett; 3 brothers, John I. "Jack" Whitmyer, Mason; Don K. Whitmyer, Southfield; Ken G. (Karen) Whitmyer, Haslett; also nieces and nephews.  Her father and great-granddaughter Jaden preceded her in death.  A memorial service for Mrs. Bengston will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Christ Community Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Robert Kleinheksel officiating.