Guy William Benns' Obituary
Guy William “Bill” Benns Sr., 88, of Valley City, Ohio peacefully passed away on January 5, 2023 after a long illness.
Born in Lakewood, OH to Charles and Ethel Benns, Bill attended North Olmsted High School, and worked for many years at SunLife Insurance. His ability to quickly put anyone at ease made him a successful sales agent.
Bill was best known for his second career, as the owner of the North Eaton Dairy Queen. His warm humor and his support for youth sports made the DQ a community institution. For more than fifty years, until his retirement at age 80, most days found Bill behind the counter trading stories with customers who became friends, and hiring young people for their first summer jobs. In winter, Bill was part of an active community in Nettles Island, Florida.
Bill lived his values: hard work and thrift, keeping family at the center of daily life, and laughing with others as often as possible. He was a tender and encouraging parent to his three children, and a father figure trusted by many younger adults.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, his late spouse Gail (née Muhlhan), and his late fiancée Adeline Frank.
He is survived by his devoted wife of twenty-four years, Hildegarde Schmid Benns; brother Charles Benns; daughter Renée Benns (Mistinguette Smith); daughter Carolyn Packis (Daniel) and their daughters Cassie Packis and Anna Packis; and son, Guy William Benns, Jr. and his daughter Isabella Benns. He will be missed by his stepchildren: Judith Klein (Mark) and their children Anna George, Zachary, Seth, Micah and Jesse Klein; Carol Nevits and her daughters Cassie Nathan and Gretchen Conley; Elisabeth Nevits and her daughter Autumn Eucker; Paula McQuade Navarre (Jim) and their sons Patrick, Peter and Henry Navarre; Genevieve Costanzo (Claudio) and their children Morgan Southam, George and Cole Costanzo; and Timothy Nevits. His absence will be felt by a beloved extended family of in-laws, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church 1377 Lester Road in Valley City, OH. Family will receive guests at the church hall at 10:00 AM, with a service at 11:00AM and luncheon reception to follow.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be sent to Altenheim Senior Living 18627 Shurmer Road, Strongsville, OH 44136.
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