William C. Benzing, age 97, of Grand Rapids, MN, died Monday, January 22, 2024, at his home.

William was born December 15, 1926, in Grand Rapids, MN to William E. and Myrtle (Dayton) Benzing.  He attended school in Grand Rapids and the surrounding rural area.  Bill graduated from Eveleth High School with the Class of 1944.  Bill then served in the United States Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict.  Following his honorable discharge, he attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for land surveying.

On March 3, 1962, Bill was united in marriage to Marie Phillips James.  They then lived in Grand Rapids the rest of their lives together.  Bill was employed by Itasca County from 1952 until his retirement in 1986.

Bill was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids where he served as youth counselor, bible study leader, SS Superintendent, various boards and men's clubs, and usher for over 40 years.  He also served 6 years on the Youth for Christ Board and 5 years on the United Way Board.  Bill volunteered his time for the food shelf, meals-on-wheels, and many other church and community organizations.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie; parents; 2 sisters, 1 brother; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; granddaughter Cindy James; son-in-law Doug Olds; grandson-in-law Damian Cromartie.

Bill is survived by his daughters Donna Olds and Patti (Mike) Silvis; son Roger James; grandchildren Darla (Rob) Rima, Diann (Tim) Suoja, Heather Silvis, Mike Silvis (Misty), Bryan (Mara) James, Pete (Stephanie) Silvis, Adam (Marie) James; great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Reverend Dr Parick Love Joy and Reverend William Ziege will officiate.

Interment will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.