Leonard Benzel – 1932 to 2014

Leonard Benzel passed away March 31, 2014 at the age of 81.

Leonard was born September 11, 1932 in Mitchell, Neb. to Carl and Mollie Benzel. Leonard was one of 14 children who grew up on a farm in Sidney. 

Leonard was a Sargent in the Army from 1954 to 1955 and married Claire Belle Koester on June 28, 1958. They moved to Fort Collins, Colo. in 1965 to start his career at Sears CO. He was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church on May 9, 1981. He loved to build things out of wood, square dance, waterski with family and spend time with his lovely wife, children and grandchildren.

Leonard is survived by his wife Belle, of 55 years; his children Brenda Hartman (Doug), Tom Benzel, Randy Benzel (Susan), Nancy Behrendt (Tim), Molly Jones (Troy), and Amy Smith (Mark); his brother Robert Benzel, his eight sisters Peggy Fehringer, Judy Benzel, Joan Dallegge, Betty Devries, Alice Mitchell, Barbara Keeler, Helen Eich, Ruth Pearl. He was loved by his 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mollie Benzel; brothers, Harry Benzel and Dan Benzel; and sisters, Mollie Benzel and Elsie Grothe. Leonard will be joined in Heaven with his sons Jeffrey and Kevin Benzel.

Evening Vespers and Rosary will be observed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Blessed John XXIII Parish, located at 1220 University Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 10:30am at Blessed John XXIII Parish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities in care of Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Dr. Suite #E Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

Please go to http://www.goesfuneralcare.com to share memories and condolences.