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Donald Benz

donald benz

August 18, 1940 ~ April 9, 2024

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Donald George Benz age 83 Of Lawler, IA, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Rev. Kevin Fry and Rev. Dan Christiansen presiding. Private family interment will take place at a later date. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with Don's arrangements. Don, born on August 18, 1940, in New Hampton, Iowa, was the son of Milton and Dorothy (Rose) Benz. He was raised alongside his siblings in the Lawler area, where he attended Lawler High School and graduated with the class of 1958. Following his graduation, Don dutifully served his country, entering the US Army. Upon his return, he resumed his passion for farming, a lifelong endeavor he cherished deeply. In the course of his farming pursuits, Don met the love of his life, Judy Dinsdale, through his sister. They exchanged vows on June 9, 1963, in Traer, Iowa, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Their union was blessed with two daughters, who brought immeasurable joy and fulfillment to their lives. Despite the demands of farming, Don also dedicated himself to other professions, including roles at John Deere in Waterloo and Sara Lee in New Hampton. He maintained a steadfast commitment to both his career and his farm, a testament to his unwavering work ethic and determination. Don’s true passion lay in the fields, where he worked tirelessly alongside his wife, forming a formidable partnership that extended beyond the farm. Together, they nurtured their land and cultivated a legacy of hard work and perseverance. Beyond his professional endeavors, Don found immense joy in attending his grandchildren's school events…ALL their events! fostering cherished memories with each milestone. Even after his own family had graduated, Don continued to support Turkey Valley, exemplifying his deep-rooted commitment to his community. Don had a knack for making friends wherever he went. He relished in engaging conversations and cherished the camaraderie he found over cups of coffee with friends, taking a brief break from his bustling days. Donald George Benz leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and kindness that will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who knew him. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the community he so faithfully served. Don is survived by his wife Judy of Lawler; two daughters, Lana (Ernie) Schmitt of Waucoma, Rhonda (Dave) Drilling of Waucoma; five grandchildren, Eric Schmitt of Caledonia, MN, Jordan (Nate) Lentz of Peoria, IL, Brian (Teresa) Schmitt of Lawler, Isaiah Drilling of Waucoma, Olivia Drilling of Waucoma; three great-grandchildren, Leo Schmitt, Waylon and Charlie Lentz; one sister, Lucille (Paul) Hereid of New Hampton. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Claire (Mona Loy) Benz.

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  3. Oh Judy and family, I’m so sorry to read of Don’s passing. You have my prayers and sincere condolences. Always enjoyed seeing and greeting you both in Church; a beautiful couple!
    Jan and Lance

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  4. Judy we are so sorry for your loss we will keep your family in our prayers. Don was one of my favorite guys to talk to

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  7. Sorry for your loss. He was a great man that we got to know at Sara Lee. May his memories console you today. All our prayers to his family. Jeanne and David Roder

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  9. Oh so many good memories. Judy, girls and extended family. …We express our deepest sympathy to all of you. Don, rest in peace now. God loves you!
    Sincerely Jack and Dianne

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  11. So sorry to hear! Don was such a kind man. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathy to Judy. Lana, Rhonda and their families. God bless! 💔🙏

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  19. Saddened to hear about Don. God’s blessings to Judy and family. May the Lord guide you and hold you up in the days ahead.

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  22. My deepest sympathies to your family. Don was such a sweetheart and I have such fond memories of him from my high school years. Take good care of yourselves and hugs to you all.

    Sandi (Drilling) Swenson

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  29. Our sympathy to Judy, Lana, Rhonda and families. Don was a kind and caring guy. Thoughts and prayers 🙏 through this difficult time. 🙏

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  32. So Sorry to hear of his passing. May you find peace and comfort in knowing he’s in a better place. Prayers for you and all the family.

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  40. So sorry to hear! Don was such a kind man. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathy to Judy. Lana, Rhonda and their families. God bless! 💔🙏

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  41. I am so very sorry to see this. What a great man! Sending our sympathy to Judy, Lana, Rhonda and families.

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  44. Our deepest sympathies to all of Donnie’s family. Donnie was one of the kindest people I ever knew. So gentle, so calm, so kind. Rest in peace dear friend…

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  46. My Deepest Sympathy to Judy, Lana, Rhonda, and families for your loss. Prayers & Thoughts are with you during this difficult time of loss. RIP Donnie!
    Lyn (Meissen-Bruns) Bailey

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  49. Judy and family…I am so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. May God be with you all during this difficult journey.

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  51. Judy and girls: I’m so sorry to hear about Donnie . Lots of memories made when I was growing up❤️ One of the best gone too soon🙏 Hugs and prayers Love Phyllis(Wurzer) Elsbernd

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  56. Don was the type of person we should aspire to be. Kind, fun loving, hardworking….. He will be missed!

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  58. Our deepest sympathies to Judy, Lana, Rhonda & families. So many wonderful memories of one of the good ones. Rest in peace, Donnie.

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  59. Deepest sympathy to Judy, Lana, Rhonda and families. Don was so kind and will be greatly missed. Cherish the memories!❤️

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  65. …beautiful human being ~ inside an out. Continued thoughts and prayers Judy, Lana, Rhonda and your families.

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  69. Sorry to hear of Don’s passing! Deepest Sympathies to Judy, Lana, Rhonda, and your whole family for your loss! Many fond memories visiting as a kid on the Benz farm with Mom and Dad. Thoughts and prayers for you all at this time🙏🏼❤️

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  87. My sincere sympathy to Judy, Lana, Rhonda, and the entire Benz family. Don was such a sweet man. I remember him as a supportive dad who never missed an event at Turkey Valley. He was kind & caring, and always knew you. Such a great man.

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  88. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have fond memories of Donnie and Lucy back when we were teenagers.

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  91. My sympathy to the Benz family. I have known Don since child hood our parentrs were good friends for years. Always enjoyed visiting with Don when ever we met.R.I.P. Don.

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  92. A good man gone too soon. Don always had a smile and greeting when you met him. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

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  94. Great man!! It was an honor to have known him. Deepest sympathy ❤️‍🩹 to Judy, Rhonda, Lana and family! May God Bless him…

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  95. Dave and I send our sincere sympathy to all the family. Donnie was a wonderful person and he will be missed. Fond memories will remain with all who knew him.

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  99. Our deepest condolences to Judy, Lana, Rhonda and their families. Don was such a kind and caring person. Always enjoyed our conversations, at Sara Lee or at a sporting event. He will be truly missed, but forever in your hearts. May he rest in peace.

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  101. I met Don while working at SaraLee & had a lot of laughs with that man. My sincerest condolences to all of Don’s family. The world has lost a good one but heaven is now richer! R.I.P. my friend.

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  102. The family of Don has our deepest sympathy. We sure will miss the great conversation he was so well-known for. Sometimes I would see Don in a convenience store or the CO-OP and you could literally feel your spirits lifted because you knew the conversation forthcoming would be meaningful & sincere. He was one of those folks that you really appreciated time & friendship with. Peace be with you Judy Lana & Rhonda.

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  103. My deepest condolences to Judy, Lana,
    Rhonda and their families. So sorry for your loss! Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.

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  104. My sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to Judy, Lana, Rhonda and families. When Dean was alive and we would see Don and Judy at Turkey Valley games or anywhere else it was always so pleasant to visit with him and Judy. Peace be with all of Don’s family at this time.

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  114. Our sincerest sympathy to dons family. Don was a joy in all ways and we loved to be around him. Rest in peace
    Don. God loves you! Sincerely Jack and Dianne

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  116. My sympathies to the Benz family. Always enjoyed visiting with Don when we crossed paths. He’ll be missed.

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  123. Deepest condolences and continued prayers for the Benz family.
    Don’s legacy will live through his family for many generations to come and there is no greater compliment, WELL DONE..

    Reply

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