Funeral Mass for John J. Benz, 90, of Dickinson, will be 2:00 pm. Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson with Father Gary Benz celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Wenceslaus cemetery.
Visitation for John will be 4:30-6:30 pm, Monday January 24th at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:30 pm.
John passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson surrounded by family.
John was born on May 24, 1931, on the family farm in Slope County, the son of Jack and Frances (Frederick) Benz. Growing up on the farm west of New England, he attended country school. He worked on the farm until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the New England area where he met and married Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Jahner in Regent in 1956. After a few years of farming, John and Ronnie moved to New England where John began driving truck. The family moved to Dickinson a few years later. Their marriage was blessed with five sons. He enjoyed fishing (especially taking all five boys out of the house and providing some relief for Ronnie), gardening, lawn work, taking care of the house, and dancing at St. Anthony, Eagles and St. Pius. His faith was very important to him, and he enjoyed volunteering at church in his later years.
After Veronica’s passing in 1984, he married Theresia Ficek in 1985 and the couple continued to reside in Dickinson. John graded roads and drove truck for Stark County in his later years before retirement. John and Theresia were very active and enjoyed their retirement years. Theresia passed in 2021.
John made friends everywhere he went. He had a great sense of humor and always had a joke ready to share. In his later years, John resided at Park Avenue Villa and St. Luke’s nursing home. He adored the staff there and the feeling was mutual. He was known for writing and reciting poems. He will be remembered for his outgoing, friendly nature and positive outlook even during trying times.
John is survived by sons, Darwin (Mary) Benz of Brooklyn Park, MN, Cordell (Kim) Benz of Prosperity, SC, Dean (Emily) Benz of Pelican Rapids, MN, Bob Benz of Brooklyn Park, MN; daughter-in-law, Jill Benz of Dickinson; grandchildren, Amanda, Derrick, Austin, Laura, Brian, Lisa and David; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Henry Benz. He is also survived by stepsons David (LaVerne) Ficek and Leroy (Koletta) Ficek; step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Scott, Patrick, Missy, Christopher and 7 step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Frances Benz; first wife, Veronica; son, Kevin Benz; grandchildren, Steven and Ashley; siblings, Margie, Frances, Jeanette and Benny and second wife Theresia.
John’s family thanks the St. Luke’s nursing home staff for their loving care and support during his time there.
