Kenneth W. Benfield, age 88, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.
Ken was born on June 21, 1932 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Benjamin and Inez Buell Benfield. Ken was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1950. He continued his education and was a graduate from Manitowoc County Teachers College, graduate from Oshkosh State Teachers College and graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. On June 11, 1955 he married Debora H. Volz at Wesley Methodist Church in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death October 28, 2003. Ken taught at Maple Corner School, Kiel Public Schools, and the Manitowoc Public School district. He was in education for 43 years retiring in 1995. Ken served his country with the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and with the United States Army Reserve from 1954 to 1985. Ken retired with the rank of Major of the United States Army.
He is survived by four children, Ranada (Michael) Hassemer, Alaska, Julie Ann (Louis) Melini, Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth (Robert) Reinke, Green Bay, and Paul (Melissa) Benfield, Mishicot; one sister, Donna Lindholm, Manitowoc, 13 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, special friend, Shirley Dill, Newton, nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Inez Benfield, wife, Debora, two brothers, one sister, and one granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Salem Ebenezer Reformed Church, 6524 County Road C, Newton. Officiating will be Rev. Kyle Sorensen. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at Salem Ebenezer Reformed Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials in Ken’s name to Salem Ebenezer Reformed Church. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
