In loving memory of

Melvin L. Red Benhart
April 21, 1930 - September 20, 2009

Melvin L. “Red” Benhart age 79 of Maquoketa Iowa died on Sunday afternoon September 202009.0 at his home in Maquoketa Iowa.


A celebration of his life will be held at 1 P.M. Thursday September 242009.0 from the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday September 232009.0 from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa Iowa. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery Maquoketa Iowa where military rites will be accorded.


Melvin Louis Benhart was born on April 21 1930 in rural Oxford Junction Iowa to Louis Benhart and Anna (Carstensen) Benhart. He was a 1948 graduate of Oxford Junction High School and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He married Betty Jean Stender on November 21 1951 in Maquoketa Iowa.              


Red had first worked for Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for 16 years and then for 26 years at Stickley Electric in Maquoketa until his retirement. To keep busy during retirement he worked for the Regional Transit Authority in Maquoketa for five years.


Red was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and the Maquoketa American Legion Post #75. He enjoyed fishing camping dancing and visiting the river boats. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan.


Melvin “Red” is survived by his wife Betty Benhart of Maquoketa IA; children- Brenda (Skeeter) Grage of Maquoketa IA Larry (Cindy) Benhart of Maquoketa IA and Brian (Kelly) Benhart of Maquoketa IA; a son-in-law- Dwain Trenkamp of Maquoketa IA; a daughter-in-law- Deb Benhart of Grinnell IA; 10 grandchildren Angela McColley Jason Trenkamp Jenny Trenkamp Justin Trenkamp Jeanna Trenkamp Heather Said Brendon Benhart Miranda Benhart Mya Benhart and Jay Benhart; 3 step-grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; sisters Lois Jeuhring of Oxford Junction IA and Marilyn (Gaylord) Jeffery of Oxford Junction IA; and a brother Ken (Barb) Benhart of Maquoketa IA. He was preceded in death by his parents a daughter Linda Trenkamp in 2004 and a son Allen Benhart in 2006.


A Melvin L. “Red” Benhart memorial fund has been established.


Online Condolences may be left at www.carsonandson.com.

Tributes

Donelle Kilburg wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"My deepest sympathy to the Benhart family. We were neighbors on Decker Street many years ago and I have nothing but fond memories of those days! Red like to laugh! I hope that you can share the same happy memories."

LaVerle Kinyon wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Betty so sorry to hear about Melvin. You have my deepest sympathy. Take care."

Evie wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Heatherand familySo sorry to hear about your grandpa."

Chad & Tanya Roeder and Family wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Jeanna~So sorry to hear about your grandpa. As we learned with Johnnie sometimes they go to a better place where they are without pain and with their loved ones who have gone before. Take care and let us know if you need anything. We love you! Chad Tanya Duder Mister and Monkey :)"

Joan Bindel wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Jason and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time for your family. Jason you have quite the resemblence to your grandfather! What a wonderful life he lived. May you be blessed with many happy and wonderful memories for years to come. With deepest sympathy and love..."

Robyn Anderson wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"I am so sorry to hear of Grandpa Red passing. I have very fond memories of Grandpa for the times I was able to spend with the family. He was always able to bring a smile to everyone's face. He will truly be miss and memories of him will be cherished. Love alwaysRobyn"

Lynn Clark wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Mr. Trenkamp Jason Jennifer Justin and Jeanna - I'm so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there. Sincerely Lynn Clark"

Laura Kenniker Wade wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I will say a prayer for the family in this time of sorrow.Laura Kenniker Curley now Wade"

Sharon & Darrel Rettig wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Betty and familyWe wanted you to know that you have our deepest sympathy. Great memories will always keep Red close to you all.Sharon & Darrel Rettig"

Bob & Jodene Berggren wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Red was quite a guy. Remember all those times at the campgounds. When he fell in the fire when the camper tipped with him in the john & so many others. Our sympathy goes out to you Betty and all your family & extended family. There is so many wonderful memories."

Connie Bonney wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"to the family- i was so sorry to hear of the lost of red. We go back a long ways to the days of when i was in high school working at the tango to seeing him drive the RTA bus... one thing about him he always had a smile on his face and he was the one of the most polite men i know...Going to miss him and i know God has a good job lined up for him too... Oh the joy of seeing his two kids again..Do take care and i am glad that i got to call him a friend and a true one at that."

Jennifer Saunders wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences."

Eva Haferbier wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Brian and family--Im so sorry to hear about your loss. Treasure all the great memories. You are all in my prayers. God Bless"

Earl & Candie Potter-Emery wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"To the Benhart family very sorry to hear of Mr. Benhart's passing. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the family.Earl & Candie Potter-Emery"

DONNA HEISTER wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"TO THE FAMILY OF RED I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF RED'S PASSING. I ALWAYS ENJOYED VISITING WITH HIM AT OBIES. HE LOVED THE BURRITOS & TENDERLIONS. IF I RECALL HE WAS JUST THERE ONE MONTH AGO. ALWAYS HAD A CHEERY SMILE & HELLO FOR ALL OF US!! THERE WAS SOMEBODY THERE THAT ALWAYS HAD TO SAY A FEW WORDS TO RED WHEN HE PICKED UP HIS SUPPER. HE LEFT WITH A GRIN FROM EAR TO EAR!! I'M SURE HE IS IN A MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE PLACE NOW. I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN THOUGHT & PRAYERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME."

Buddy & Myrna Olson wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

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Sara Miller wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"To the whole Benhart familyYour family is in my thoughts and prayers. No words can ease the pain you are going through... but just remember you have an angel looking down on you."

Rusty (Stutting) Cvjetnicanin wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Decker Street was THE best place to grow up largely because of our neighbors Red and Betty and their kids. Red and Dad shared a military background and love of life which created a sort of brotherhood and extended-family relationship between us.Mostly I remember laughter. Red was always ready to laugh and ready for mischief with my Dad whom he called Curly. The shoe toss over our house in the middle of the night is an event I have long remembered. And I'm pretty sure Red was the instigator.Red your memory will be held in our hearts forever. To my dear Betty I'm sending you all our love and sympathy. You're in my prayers for comfort throughout the coming days and always. And to all the family your Red was a very special man. You have our heartfelt sympathy on his passing. He was part of our life too and we are better for that."

Misty McLaughlin wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Betty and FamilyI am so sorry I could not make it in person. I was very saddened to hear of Red's passing. I will never forget how you two were our 2nd set of grandparents my brother and myself when we moved to Maquoketa and were also there when everyone found out that another was on the way. I have always thought so much of you to and your entire family. You all took us right in and made us feel so welcome. As young as I was then I still rememeber that. I pray that you will have comfort knowing his is finally with the rest of the family and watching over all over all of you all. Misty"

Chris wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"I am so sorry for the family's loss. A favorite poem: We little knew that morning that God was going to call your nameIn life we loved you dearly in death we do the same.It broke our hearts to lose you you did not go alone.For part of us went with you the day God called you home.You left us peaceful memories your love is still our guideAnd though we cannot see you you are always at our side.Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the sameBut as God calls us one by one the chain will link again."

Kathy Carner wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Betty and familySorry I did not respond sooner but have been ill for over a week.I am so sorry to hear of Red's passing. I have always thought so highly of him. It is hard to imagine he is no longer with us. He is unforgettable!My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."

TJ LANCASTER wrote on Sep 20, 2009:

"Benny and familey. I grew up all almost next door to the benhearts. they have been so helpfull to me thru all the years fo my life. Red was a great man and I worked with him when I worked construction and I emember when he and my dad worked at case and us kids always waited for them to get home from work his son's always help'd me and only larry and brian know what that would be. I love the benhearts for that. sorry that Red had to go but he is with lots of neighbors and friends now and having a great time in heaven. Love you all. TJ and PENNY LANCASTER"