Terry "T.J." Benner

Terry “T.J.” John Benner, 63, of Tama, passed away on

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at his home after a sudden

illness.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later time. For more

information or to send a condolence, please visit

www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family

Funeral Home is caring for Terry and his family.

Terry Benner was born on October 2, 1961 in Iowa City, Iowa to

Harlan and Patricia (Rund) Benner. Terry graduated from South

Tama High School. He was employed with Deimco Finishing

Equipment as a powder coat painter, which he took great pride

in. Terry was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2828 in

Tama. He had just started learning how to play the guitar and

enjoyed drawing and painting. He loved all kinds of music,

especially “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen. He attended over 100

concerts, including Elvis Presley and even attended Woodstock

99 with his daughter Lacey. Terry was passive and gentle and

loved being in the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and

living a simple life. Terry enjoyed feeding outdoor wildlife and

watching them in his backyard. He had even rescued and saved

different injured wildlife he found near his home.

Terry is survived by his children: Lacey (Eli Wildman) Nerness

of Marshalltown and Taryn (John) Cochenour of Tama.

Grandchildren: Anna Nerness, Maya Nerness, Milo Wildman,

and Arya Cochenour. He is also survived by his mother: Patricia

TePoel; half-brother: Matt (Jennifer) Benner of Toledo, aunt

Maxine (Butch) Kroeger, aunt Betty (Steve) Plowman, aunt

Marlene Sotyn, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Terry is preceded in death by his father: Harlan; step-father:

John TePoel; many aunts and uncles; maternal and paternal

grandparents; and a sister in infancy: Tracy Benner.