Kendall Benzing, 92, of Monona, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, from a short bout with lymphoma. J. (Jon) Kendall Benzing was born on March 19, 1927, in Monona, Iowa. His parents were Kenneth Oran Benzing & Daisy Elma Nichols Benzing. Kendall was baptized & confirmed in the Giard Methodist Church. He continued to live in Monona while being an active member of the Giard Methodist Church. After his father passed away when he was 13, Kendall changed his membership to the Monona Methodist Church.
While in school, Kendall actively participated in band, vocal groups, small groups (both instrumental & vocal), & solo & ensemble groups. After graduation from Monona High School, he worked for a year at Hupfer’s IGA. He then decided to go to Chicago for electronics school at the Chicago Technical Institute.
He graduated from this college after 1½ years with a degree in radio engineering. Upon graduation, he returned to Monona and began selling radios & small appliances. After television signals were available, he concentrated on selling and servicing TV sets! The growth & expansion of TV became so popular that he continued to spend the rest of his career concentrating on TV & radio exclusively. He became the general manager of Olson Electronics, a position he held for 50+ years! As the electronic industry advanced he also became interested in computers and all other electronic devices. After retiring from the business world, he continued to pursue his interest in electronics learning much about computers, dvd players, and smart phones.
He met the love of his life, LaVonne Eileen Jermeland, at Art’s Roller Rink in Ossian where they both enjoyed skating. They were married on August 3, 1952, and set up home in Monona, Iowa. To this union 3 children were born-Ric Alan Benzing of Monona, Iowa; Cynthia Lynn (Benzing) Carrier of Liberty, Missouri; and Joni Allyn (Benzing) Allsup of Hutchinson, Kansas.
Kendall loved to travel and took his family on several wonderful vacations throughout the U.S.A. and Canada! He also loved taking trips with his wife on his motorcycle as they toured through the mountains! His children share this love for traveling as they continue to travel throughout the United States and other countries. His love for music was evident whenever you heard him play either the piano or organ. This love of music was handed down to his children and all 3 continue to be passionate about music. Kendall shared his hobby of woodworking with his family by creating several beautiful pieces of furniture. Throughout his life, Kendall was very active in the Methodist Church, singing in choir and participating on various committees. He was also an active member of the Monona Jaycees for several years.
Kendall is survived by his wife, LaVonne; his son, Ric (Ila); daughters, Cindy (James) and Joni (Neal); niece, Candace (Maynard) Winkler; two nephews, Randy (Vicki) & Dan Church; seven grandchildren, Elise Christine (Dennis) Rodenberg of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Charles Jonathan (Sarah) Courtney of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Megan Leigh (Curtis) Lembke of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Andrea Lynn (Ian) Henderson of Kansas City, Missouri, Eric Nathan Benzing and friend Lynn Bremer of Coralville, Iowa, Andrew Paul Allsup and fiancé Sammi Rippetoe of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kristin Leigh (Anthony) Bronke of Park City, Kansas; and twelve great-grandchildren, Marlena, Liesl, and Fritz Rodenberg, Penny and Ellie Lembke, Oliver and Uriah Henderson, Avery and Claire Courtney, and Charlotte Bronke. Two more great grandchildren will be born this year. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elaine Jermeland and family; and several nieces and nephews on LaVonne’s side.
Kendall was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Sarah Benzing; parents Kenneth and Daisy; and his sister, Jeannine (Woody) Church.
Visitation will be held from 5- 7 pm on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Living Faith United Methodist Parish, Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Living Faith United Methodist Parish with Rev. Deb Parkison as the officiant.
Inurnment will be held at a later date in Giard Cemetery, Giard, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.