" I wish to extend my sympathy to all of Bill's family and friends. I smile when I look at the picture you have included in his obituary. Just the way I will always remember Bill. It seemed to me that he always put a positive light on every conversation we had. I remember how he spoke so highly of his wife who he loved so much. He was very adamant in telling all of us guys to appreciate and enjoy our wives in the time we have with them. His stories were endless as he had so many friends and experiences with all the folks he delivered packages to. I will miss him and his good advice greatly. Don C."
In loving memory of
William Paul Benedict
February 7, 2020
William Paul "Bill" Benedict, age 70 of Fort Dodge, Iowa, died on Friday, February 7, 2020. Born the youngest of four children to parents Claude and Katherine (Greve) Benedict on January 11, 1950. His father passed in 1952, and after his mother remarried, Bill moved with his family to a farm outside of Rockwell City. His upbringing involved the hard labors and simple pleasures that went hand in hand with feeding cattle, growing and harvesting crops, showing horses, baling hay, and doing chores. He earned his first cold beer as a kid, by doing the work of grown men. Bill attended school in Rockwell City, and graduated with the Class of 1968. He enlisted and served his country in the United States Army as a soldier in Vietnam.
Bill had met his future wife, Linda Lalor, at a very young age through showing horses. Through those years as they got to know each other, Bill and Linda became friends who grew closer together. They were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church on October 2, 1971. Their union in marriage was blessed with two sons, Bill and Brett, and 37 years of love and devotion before Linda's sudden passing in 2008.
Bill worked for United Parcel Service for over 31 years. He began pre-loading and washing trucks, then delivering to downtown businesses in Ft Dodge, before being assigned the route in Eagle Grove, which was his wife Linda's hometown. Bill had the Eagle Grove route for over 25 years, making hundreds of stops each day, and driving thousands of miles each week. Many a work day for him was fueled by Coke Classic and a Snickers bar. Bill knew every long, lost dusty road and country shortcut in Wright County. He truly enjoyed the people there, and was their quintessential UPS man until his retirement in November of 2004. Bill also served for many years on the Webster County Fair Board. After retirement, Bill worked construction with family, farmed with good friends and neighbors Rick and Jason Nelson, and hauled grain for the good folks at Shelton & Hay Ltd.
Bill had an affinity for old cars, fast cars, street rods, and muscle cars. Cars took him back in time, and made him feel even younger at heart. Like many car guys, some of his fondest memories and stories involved old cars, knowing who drove what kind of car, and what was under the hood. A self-proclaimed shade tree mechanic, he could turn wrenches with the best of them, and do most of his own repairs. Countless hours were spent in his garage, working on his many project cars over the years, and inventing any necessary new cuss words that helped them look good and run better. Time spent at a car show was a taste of heaven on earth.
Bill enjoyed traveling with Linda when she served in director roles with the Iowa Paint Horse Club, and the American Paint Horse Association. He also enjoyed traveling out west to places like Colorado, and south to Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. A favorite trip of his came in 2006, when his sons took him to New York City where he got to see his beloved Yankees pull off an amazing win at the original Yankee Stadium, as well as visiting Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. When just around home, Bill enjoyed driving the back roads, and stopping at the casino to try his hand at poker.
Bill worked hard to provide and be present for his family. His pride never revolved around material things, but could be measured in conversations about his sons, their families, and his grandchildren. He enjoyed visiting and being social with others, and always looked forward to attending the Rockwell City All Class Reunion, or the All Class Rebellion as he would call it. Bill had a great sense of humor, personified by jokes, laughter, and fun stories. He also had closely held viewpoints on doing what's right that was equally paired with a willingness to help others. He will be missed dearly.
Bill is survived by his sons, Bill (Lisa) Benedict of River Falls WI, and Brett (Jenny) Benedict of Huxley IA; grandchildren, Marcus, Gavin, Bowen, and Arden; brother, Tom Benedict of Florence OR; brothers-in-law, Jim (Laura) Lalor of Mason City, IA and Kenny Hinners of Pomeroy, IA; countless nieces and nephews; lifelong friends Roger "Scibo" (Jane) Lyle, and Skip (Reesa) Schamel; close friend, Deb Holmstrom; and many good and honest people he was proud to call friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Benedict; his father, Claude Benedict; his mother and step-father, Katherine (Charles) Shinker; brother, Lynn "Moose" Benedict; sister, Kay Hinners; parents-in-law, Archie (Dorothy) Lalor; and brother-in-law, Gary (Janice) Lalor.
Not one for fanfare, Bill's life will be honored with a visitation that will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12th at the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, 307 S. 12th Street in Ft Dodge, IA. Burial with graveside prayers and military honors by American Legion Post 304 and also the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 13th at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove, IA. In lieu of flowers, Bill's family asks that you remember an organization of your choosing, or someone in need of a small degree of kindness that only a friend could offer, and be that friend to them. Funeral services are entrusted to the care of Bill's son and daughter-in-law, Bill & Lisa Benedict, and the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home of Ft. Dodge, Iowa.
Tributes
"Unable to attend visitation due to weather. Just want to offer condolences to family and say that Bill was great friend to me over the years and will be sorely missed. A nicer guy would be hard to find.?"
"I am so sorry to hear of Bill?s passing. What a shock. Your obituary write up is a wonderfully written tribute to honor Bill?s life. You captured his personality perfectly. I have fond memories of our time together. He always treated me like a queen. A message he told you two boys always, treat your wives to the utmost. He treated your mother this way. I had much respect for Bill in the way he loved his family. Always attending horse shows with Linda. Supporting her love of horses. Yes, he always had a smile when he greeted you and a fun personality. I know your family will miss him dearly. You have my sympathy. Love Susan Davis"
"Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Bill was such a good friend and father. Enjoy all the wonderful memories. Julianne Vosika Pawlosky Jacqueline Vosika Weydert Jessica Vosika Casellano "
"So sorry to here of Bills passing, will never forget you, an all of the good times we had over the years. RIP Bill. Larry Hansen"
"So sorry for your loss. Bill was our UPS guy for many years. Always looked forward to seeing him. He was so friendly. He was a great guy! Larry & Betty Davis "
"So sorry for your loss. I worked with Bill for many years at UPS he was always a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
"So sorry for your loss bill was always so kind to me and was forever smiling"
"So sorry for your loss, Bill and I have been friends for many years, sharing our passion for old cars and a good joke. Please accept my condolences as I am out of state and will be unable to attend the service. Jerry Peterson"
"My deepest condolences to Bill?s family. I will forever remember and appreciate the kindness he extended to my family, especially upon the passing of my mother and sister in recent years. He and I spoke the day before his attack?joked, as usual, about the challenges of getting old. I said it ?beats the alternative?; he said in his typical wit, ?I don?t know...will let you know when I get to the other side!? Will miss those conversations. He?ll remain in my thoughts and prayers. Scott Bohbrink"
"Very sorry to the families of Bill,for your loss,I met Bill at the Greve/Baker Family Reunion.He was a very kind and knowledgeable man that was easy to talk to.And I really enjoyed visiting with him,unfortunately I won?t be able to attend the services,but wanted to send my condolences to the family."
"I've known Bill since I was a junior in high school. We had alot of great times and remained friends thru the years. RIP Bill you truely will be missed by family and friends. Deepest sympathy to his family."
"Bill was Eagle Grove nice...a friend to everyone he met...he will be missed...deepest sympathies..The Foust Family"
"So sorry for your Loss Prayers for all Bill was A GREAT GUY ..."
"Bill was always smiling and such a friendly person."
"I've known Bill since his high school years as he and my ex-husband were good friends..also thru Katherine and Shinker...and his brother Moose..my sympathy to you Bill and Brett..He was a great guy and friend.."
"Bill and Brett, I am so saddened for the loss of your Dad. I am Scibo's brother and I always enjoyed visiting with Bill every summer when I visit Rockwell City. He was a great guy and friend. Ron Lyle, Nebo NC "
"I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I live in Eagle Grove so got to know him not only through UPS deliveries but from many stops he made at Casey's General store while I worked there. Always enjoyed visiting with him."
"I?m so sorry for your loss. Bill was always so nice and funny when we showed horses during the summer in Iowa. "
"So sorry to hear this. I graduated with Bill in 1968 and saw him regularly when he visited the nursing home I work in. Loved our conversations. I will miss him dearly !!! A great guy !"
"I met Bill 25 years ago while working at Docs Stop where he gassed the UPS truck at the end of the day. Many laughs and great conversations! One of the most genuinely happy people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. RIP Bill! My deepest condolences to his boys, he was always so proud of you."
"Bill will definitely be missed. We spent a great deal of time together on the bleaches at either a baseball or football game. Prayers to Bill & Brett and families. RIP Bill."
"Bill was a great man. I met him thru knowing Brett and always had fun throwing tailgating at the Iowa State games."
"Bill was a true friend for many years then he came to work for jason and I in the fall running the catch cart he did an awesome job never late and never spilled any grain he did his job well and we will have a hard time replacing him he was definitely a true friend till we meet again bill"
"Bill was a awesome guy. We always joked that he was my stalker whenever I ran into him. He will be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Godspeed!"