A penciled notation identified the year of this newspaper article as 1985.

SERVICES HELD FOR PEARL BACKHUUS

Funeral services were held for Pearl Backhuus at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bennington on Friday, may 10, at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Norman E. Schroeder officiated. Miriam Sukraw was organist. Joyce Johnson sand "The Old Rugged Cross" and "I know That My Redeemer Lives." Casket bearers were Loren Cohrs, Gerald Johnson,, Irwin Kruse, Bill Muller, Lowell Neumeyer and Jerry Roe. Interment was in the Flower Hill Cemetery, and the Haden Golden Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Pearl Sumner Backhuus was born July 30, 1894 in Waterloo, Nebraska, the daughter of Samuel and Safronia (Gilmore) Sumner. She was baptized in the Christian faith July 16, 1931 and confirmed her faith July 21, 1940 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Bennington.

Pearl graduated from Waterloo High School in 1914. She taught in the Pleasant Valley Public School District No. 34 for two years.

On June 28, 1916 she was married to Peter C. Backhuus. They made their home on the Backhuus farmstead southwest of Bennington. Two daughters and three sons blessed their family. On retirement Pearl and Peter moved to Bennington.

Pearl was a faithful worshiper and member of St. John's congregation. She actively participated in the Lutheran Church Women, the quilters group and the Keenagers. She was a Life Member of the Lucky Day Extension Club and has been a member of the Bennington Women's Club. A friendly, outgoing, charming person herself, she especially enjoyed being with friends and family. Her home, yard and handwork provided special hobbies. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Pearl died unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Tuesday, May 7, at the age of 90 years, 7 months and 7 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter (Dec. 3, 1966) and one son, Warren.

She is survived by her devoted children: Evelyn Suverkrubbe of Bennington; Peter C. and his wife, Adelyn of Bennington; Shirley and her husband Virgil Wrich of Blair; and Thomas and his wife, Dora May of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; other relatives and cherished friends.