Carleton August Benz, of Wittenberg, died on Thursday, August 17 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Shawano. He was 89 years old. He was born on February 6, 1934 in Wausau, a son of August and Agnes (Hempel) Benz. He married the love of his life Jean Heger on January 1, 1955 at Peace Lutheran Church in Split Rock.
He was a graduate of Wittenberg High School in 1952.
Carleton and Jean farmed for many years. He also sold farm equipment for Patz Equipment for 25 years. Following retirement, they enjoyed 23 years of living on Shawano Lake before returning to Wittenberg. They spent many winters in McAllen, Texas.
He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wittenberg, served on the Town of Wittenberg town board for many years, and was on the fundraising committee for the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center.
Carleton and Jean enjoyed traveling, having visited 47 states and spent two months on a trip to Alaska. He will be remembered for his gift of gab, making friends everywhere he went. They attended many polka shows throughout the years. He also enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling, ATVing, fishing and hunting.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 68 years, Jean; a daughter, Julie (John Twaroski) Olson of Wittenberg; two sons, Craig (Connie) Benz of Wausau and Alan (Stacy) Benz of Appleton; a sister, June Norrbom of Weston; six grandchildren, Ryan (Becki) Olson of Eland, Holly (Paul) Reissman of Wittenberg, Justin (Jessica) Olson of Antigo, Jesse Benz of Wittenberg, Dana Benz of Appleton, and Cory (Courtney) Benz of Appleton; two step-grandchildren, Andy (Heather) Rindfleisch of Wausau, and Chris (Felicia) Rindfleisch of Wittenberg; seven great-grandchildren, Danielle, Cassandra, Alison, Holden, Julaine, Jaxin, and Audrey; step great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kamryn, Austin, Isac, Ethan, Kailee and Jace; and a great-great-granddaughter, Phoebe.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Brian Lee and Larry Allen; a brother-in-law, Carl Norrbom; and a nephew, Loren Norrbom.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Sharon Fox Bogen officiating. Burial will take place in Forest Home Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church and Monday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials in Carleton's name may be directed to the church, W18205 College Ave, Wittenberg, WI 54499.
Services
Visitation
Wittenberg, WI, United States 54499
Visitation
Wittenberg, WI, United States 54499
Service
Wittenberg, WI, United States 54499
A high school friend, Jahn Cowles (Gordy & Betty) sent me word of Carlton's passing. One summer, I, Erik Larsen (Carl & Mabel) and Dale Hartleben (Mike & Audrey) worked for Augie & Carlton pouring cement for the barn cleaners and baling hay. I mentioned to my wife the fantastic meals we had on the farm and that we were treated like family even though we were just youngsters working. One thing I never forgot was a meal where Craig, who was very young, making the comment, after seeing a crack in wall, that "this place is cracking up." Years later, Dale & I would still laugh whenever someone made the remark about "cracking up." I want to express my condolences to your family and thank you for your kindness years ago.
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