Kenneth Wayne Benz, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Jack & Engrid Meng Residence, De Pere. The son of Everett and Doris (Slang) Benz, he was born February 14, 1940, in the Town of Maple Valley.

Ken grew up in Green Valley, WI and graduated from Bonduel High School. In his younger years, Ken worked at the cheese factory and plywood plant in Gillett and also as a farm hand.

Following high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Army on September 5, 1962, until his honorable discharge on July 10, 1965. He served in Korea and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter.

On December 17, 1966, Ken married Karen Geske at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. The couple eventually settled in Weyauwega where they had a home on the Waupaca River which provided great outdoor opportunities for their kids. He worked as a Communications Technician for Wisconsin Bell in Waupaca, AT&T in Stevens Point and Green Bay, and Lucent Technologies until his retirement on December 31, 1999. Following retirement Ken and Karen moved to Green Valley, AZ for 23 years. While in Arizona, he was the director of work crew for 20 years at "The Villages" HOA. He was twice named Villager of the Year.

Ken had many bowling buddies and couples over the years; Brian and Diane Buettner, Jim and Rose Doyle and Harry and Joan Giefer, to name a few. He was given the nickname "Dynamite" at the bowling alley because of the pin action when he bowled.

Listening to the Polka Jamboree on WDEZ every Sunday was always a favorite. He enjoyed playing church dartball, snowmobiling, camping, golfing, deer hunting, and playing cribbage. Ken also enjoyed traveling with Karen in their 5 ^th wheel, which provided many opportunities to see much of the United States and Mexico. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Everyone always enjoyed Grandpa Ken jokes and the typical Benz humor.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Karen; three sons: Kory (Kathy) Benz, Kirby Benz, and Kyle (Lori) Benz; his grandchildren: Katie Benz, Kara Benz, Kolleen (Tyler) Raymond, Madeline and Brayden Benz; three great-grandchildren: Evie, Luci, and Gus Raymond. He is further survived by his siblings: Jan Feudner, Evans (Patricia) Benz, Richard (Diane) Benz, Lyle (Pat) Benz, Cheryl (Ron) Habeck; sister-in-law, Marilynn (Dennis) Benz; and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Everett and Doris, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Roger, and a brother-in-law, Jim Feudner.

Friends are invited to gather with family at Peace Lutheran Church, 1954 County Rd. U, Green Bay, on Friday, May 3rd, from 9-11 a.m. The Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Pastor Stuart Dornfeld officiating. Military Honors rendered by the Pulaski Area Veterans will follow at the church. Interment will take place in Pine Hill Cemetery, Spruce.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Arizona Oncology in Green Valley, especially Carla and Jessica, and to Unity Hospice in De Pere for their care and compassion.

Online condolences may be offered to the Benz family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.