Edward J. Benner, 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. He was born on May 13, 1931, at Rochelle Community Hospital, the son of George H. and Mabel (Maakestad) Benner. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. On February 20, 1955, he married Joan C. Edwards at First Lutheran Church in Lee, IL.
Ed graduated from Steward High School in 1949 and stayed at home to help his father farm until January 1952, when was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict with the 109th Combat Engineers, building bridges across the Rhine River. Upon honorable separation from the armed forces, in January, 1954, he returned home to help farm. In 1955, he started farming on his own and continued for 46 years until his son-in-law took over. In conjunction with farming, he worked the night shift as a custodian for several years during the 1970’s at Northern Illinois University. He served as the finance officer for the Lee American Legion Post 1253 at two different time periods. He was a trustee of the Lee Fire Protection District for 18 years. Ed also served as chairman of the First Lutheran Cemetery Board for 32 years.
Ed was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church, in Lee, IL. He was a council member, sang in the choir, and served on several committees over the years. Early in their marriage, he and Joan bowled in a league in Lee, when the two-lane bowling alley was in business. Ed will be remembered as a hard-working and proud farmer, who loved his work. His sense of humor will be remembered by his family and the many people he came to know over the years; he was a caring and good friend to many.
The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Crest for the care and support they provided to Ed over the last few years. Also, thank you to the nurses and staff at Heartland Hospice for the care and support they provided in his final days.
Ed is survived by his three children, Kathy (Rich) Sheahan, Ken Benner, and Kristen (Bryan) Edecker; three grandchildren, Brian (Adrienne) Sheahan, Tim (Andrea) Sheahan, and Amy Sheahan; and four great-grandchildren, Kaden, Aaliyah, Adella, and Elleson.
In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and three siblings, George W. Benner, Robert M. Benner, and Marion Benner Monroe.
A memorial funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at First Lutheran Church, 240 Hardanger Gate, in Lee, with Pastor Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s memory may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
