Bennie Earl Henze

Ben Henze, 72, of State Center, died Saturday, July 3rd, at the State Center Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 7th, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Joan Swander officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery at State Center. Visitation will be held from5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the St. Paul Lutheran Church. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home West Marshall Chapel in State Center is caring for Ben and his family. Ph 641-483-2900. Born Bennie Earl Henze on January 17th, 1938, at home near State Center, Iowa, he was the son of Ralph and Annabelle (Davis) Henze. He attended school in the State Center area and at the age of 16, took over the farming operation of his parents after they were in a car accident. He later farmed for Russ Honeck before he and Irma farmed their own place. On November 21st, 1956, he was united in marriage to Irma Tjelmeland at the St. Paul Lutheran Church by Rev. Braun in the midst of a terrible snowstorm. This snowstorm did not affect the future before them, a wonderful 53 year marriage. Ben was a lifetime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and served as past chairman of the congregation, past member of State Center Lions Club and the Fishermans Liars Club. Ben treasured his family and enjoyed fishing. Left to cherish his memory are Irma, his loving wife of 53 years, three daughters: Elizabeth Beth (Tommy) Brown of State Center, Mari (Barry) Haley of State Center and Patricia Trish (Richard) Taft of State Center, five grandchildren- Allison Haley, Jessica (Jed) Wright, Nick Haley, Maggie Taft and Jackie Taft, his mother Annabelle of Durant, Iowa, sisters Bonnie (Ed) Rasmussen of Newton, Judy (John) Greenfield of Jewel, brother John (Pat) Henze of Albion and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In death, Ben rejoined his father.