Edward Benz | 92 | Nebo

Edward A. Benz, 92, of rural Nebo, passed away Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.
Ed was born Oct. 20, 1933 to Aloys and Lela Miner Benz at their home in rural Kampsville. He married Willean Paula Howland on July 18, 1953 at St. Anselm’s Church in Kampsville and she survives. Ed and Willean raised four sons and a daughter.
Ed and Willean spent 25 years with the Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance District as EMT’s. He then spent the next 10 years as their driver. They spent many years volunteering their help at the North Calhoun Fire Department’s fish stand during Old Settler’s Days. He spent many years helping prepare and serve dumplings at St. Anselm’s dinners. He was a member of the Calhoun County Ambulance Board, the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Pike County Pork Producers and Calhoun County Farm Bureau. He and Willean were honored in 2024 by being named Grand Marshalls at both the Kampsville Summer Celebration and the Calhoun County Fair.
Ed began his career running a bulldozer for Carl Sievers when he was just 16 years old. He later ran dozers for Dave Pence, Frank Smith and Tom Wombles. Many area farmers requested Ed do their dozing. For several years in the 1960’s, Ed was the Calhoun County Road Commissioner. He was a lifelong farmer and early in his marriage gathered eggs from other local farmers, selling and delivering them to Camp Point, IL. He raised corn and beans, hogs and cattle. His last cattle were sold earlier this year. Two years ago, he was in the hay field helping to put up hay with his son, grandson, and great-  grandson. He spent many days helping his children and grandchildren pack up and move and enjoyed every minute of it.
Always one to be working with wood, Ed spent many hours in his workshop. For years he would pass out wooden Christmas statues to adorn the homes of family and friends. In his 50’s, he took up painting. Many area residents and family have his paintings on the walls of their homes. He warmly welcomed neighbors, who held him in high regard.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Willean and his children, Ralph (Patricia) Benz and David (Mary Kay) Benz, both of Pleasant Hill, Patricia (Steve) Busse of Ottumwa, IA, Roger (Kathleen) Benz of Jacksonville and Robert (Cheryl) Benz of Pittsfield. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Dara, Amanda, Jennifer, Aaron, Jill, Ryan, Adam, Alex, Erin, Paula, Andrew, Meagan, Scott and Quentin, 42 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Dale (Nancy) Benz of Champaign and Lloyd Benz of Varna, and a sister-in-law, Judy Benz of Kampsville and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Lester Benz, grandchildren, Carri and Derrick, grandson-in-law, Jack, sisters-in-law, Sharon, Edith, Beulah, Nellie, Leta and Lena, and brothers-in-law, Edward, William and Russell.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Kampsville. Burial followed at St. Anselm Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill from 4 until 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.