Henry Berthold Bennetsen

Our beloved father and grandfather, Henry Berthold Bennetsen, 92, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025.  Henry was born on November 26, 1932 on the family farm in Yoakum, Texas to Otto and Albina Bennetsen, and he was the oldest of twelve children.  

Henry attended school at the Yoakum Pilot Grove School, and attended Lutheran church.  Henry married Leona Lucille Frieda on Mothers Day, May 8, 1955 at the Lutheran Church in Sublime, Texas.  To this union was born five children; Rex Bennetsen, Sherry Bennetsen Taylor, Delton Bennetsen, Clinton Bennetsen and Darla Bennetsen George.  

Henry’s life revolved around Jesus Christ, his family, love of gardening and being one of the finest fiddle players in the country, having at one time being in the Southernaires Band and opening for such  headliners as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash at the Louisiana Hayride Music Show.  Henry also worked for many years at Brown & Root and was a commercial shrimper in Seadrift, where he raised his family.  Henry later lived for 50 years in the Brazoria, Tx. area married to Doris Steadham.  After Doris’ passing, Henry moved back to Seadrift where he enjoyed the last seven years of his wonderful life.  Henry is now reunited in heaven with his band buddies, fiddling his favorite song, the Orange Blossom Special.  

Henry is survived by four children; Rex (Mittie) Bennetsen of Victoria, Sherry (Rod) Taylor of Seadrift, Clint Bennetsen of Rockport and Darla (David) George of La Mesa, California.  Also three brothers; Raymond, Leon and Kenneth Bennetsen of Yoakum, and two sisters; Doris Ann McCord of Sweet Home and Carrie Lynn Spencer of Yoakum.  And 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, along with NUMEROUS nieces and nephews.  

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; son, Delton Bennetsen; three brothers, Morris, Melvin and Charlie Bennetsen; three sisters, Helen Mareth, Annie Mae Bennetsen and Jerlene DeBault; and a grandchild, Christopher Bowman.  

A private ceremony with family will be held on March 12, 10am, at the Seadrift Cemetery, with Pastor Tim Smith officiating.  Funeral services will be handled by Grace Funeral Home in Port Lavaca.  And a special Thank You to the wonderful people of Hospice of South Texas, and also to private caregivers Gwyn Cormier and Linda Twiner. 

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Arrangements and services under the personal care of Grace Funeral Chapel, Port Lavaca, 361-552-1705.