Dr. Dennis D. Bejot, 85

Dr. Dennis D. Bejot passed away on May 8th, 2021 in Lincoln, NE. He was the son of Jesse Francis Bejot and Leah Ida (Primmer) Bejot and was born on October 13, 1935, at Ainsworth, NE.

He attended and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1953. He farmed with his father and brother, Francis Bejot, for three years. During the winter months he attended and graduated from the Grand Island Business College in January of 1956. He enlisted in the US Army in March of 1956, and was discharged in March of 1959. Two of the years were spent in Tokyo, Japan. He returned home and farmed and fed cattle with his brother Francis for three years before attending the University of Nebraska in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska in Vocational Education with a teaching certificate in 1966. He received a Master of Science Degree with a major in Vocational Education and minor in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska in 1968. Later on he returned to college and received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Adult Education from Iowa State University in 1981.

In 1968, he accepted the Agriculture Agent position in Buffalo County, NE at Kearney, NE. In 1970, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Seward County, NE at Seward, NE. In 1981, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Sarpy County, NE at Papillion, NE and in1989, he accepted the County Extension Chairmanship in Douglas County, KS at Lawrence, KS. He retired June 30, 1999, and returned to Seward. In retirement, he spent 13 years as a substitute teacher in the high schools of Seward, Utica and Milford.

He served on numerous committees, at the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University. He served as a County Extension Agent Trainer during his tenure in Seward County. Served on numerous City and County committees in each county where he was employed. He developed major educational programming in “Irrigation Scheduling” in Seward County, a “4H Citizenship” Program in Sarpy County, and a “Master Gardener” program in Douglas County, KS. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in each county that he served. He belonged to Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and Elk Clubs at various locations. He received many awards, such as the Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service and the Outstanding Assistance Award from Southeast Community College. He also received many certificates from groups and organizations for work that was accomplished. He served on many United Methodist Church committees throughout the years.

He married Janet LaRae Hitchcock on December 30, 1956, at Ainsworth To this union two sons were born, Mark David Bejot on June 26, 1960, at Ainsworth and David Lee Bejot on December 13, 1965 at Lincoln.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Francis Bejot and Leah Ida (Primmer) Bejot; brothers, Francis Bejot, Victor Calvin Bejot and Lewis Eugene Bejot; sister, Mary Lou Van Doozer; and daughter-in-laws, Julie Marie (Rathje) Bejot and Patti Willis Bejot.

Survivors include his wife, Janet; sons, Mark David Bejot of Maywood NE and David Lee Bejot (Cindy) of Temperance, MI; granddaughters, Lorinda (Bejot) Mollenkamp and husband, Joe Mollenkamp of Aviano, Italy and Megan Marie Bejot of Syracuse, NE; great-grandson, Jesse Mollenkamp of Italy; sister, Lorideen May Larabee of Neligh, NE; and sister-in-law, Melba (Waits) Bejot, of Ainsworth; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

Dr. Bejot was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.

Funeral services for Bejot will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church, 1400 N. 5th Street in Seward, NE 68434.

Committal with full military honors will be held on Thursday, May 13th at 4:30 p.m. in the Ainsworth Cemetery, 877th Road in Ainsworth, NE.

Memorials in care of Kiwanis Parade of Flags - Seward, NE.