UPDATE: A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1-4 pm at 10218 County Road 54, Lewistown, OH.
Dennis Alan Bensman, 72, of Lewistown, OH passed away unexpectedly, Friday, July 12, 2024, at his home.
Dennis was born on July 31, 1951, in Lima, OH, a son of the late Herbert and Bernadette Roof Bensman. He is also preceded in death by three sisters, Barbara Coons, Susan Gildow, and Darlene Arthur, and sisters/brothers-in-law, Larry Sickles, Cheryl Bensman, Tom Gimbel, Bill Allen, Gary Hesser, Barbara Stillings, Steve Willeke, and Jerry Magann.
Dennis married Deborah Willeke on March 21, 1970, at St. Patrick’s Church in Bellefontaine, OH, and she survives. He is also survived by three children, Dawn (Monte) Heppard of Lewistown, Denise (Matt) Jarvis of Bellefontaine, OH, and Doug (Angela Hanchett) Bensman of Zanesfield, OH, eight grandchildren, Jordan (Casie) Heppard, Jenna (Bob) Alig, Parker Bensman, Ryder Bensman, Emarie Bensman, Mack Jarvis, Noah Hanchett, and Elle Hanchett, six great grandchildren, Hayden and Riley Heppard, Emily, Latasha, Zandra, and Annacee Alig, seven siblings, Ruth Sickles of Belle Center, OH, Ron Bensman of Bellefontaine, Jinny Gimbel of Lake Havasu, AZ, Linda Allen of Belle Center, Donna Hesser of Belle Center, Bob Bensman, Gary Bensman, and Herb Bensman, all of Bellefontaine, three brothers-in-law, Garry Coons of Bellefontaine, Jim Gildow of Belle Center, and Phil Arthur of Russells Point, OH, and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was a 1969 graduate of Belle Center School. He owned and operated D&R Refrigeration starting in 1984 and farmed, most recently with Yeasel Farms. He also owned and operated The 151 Club in Bellefontaine for 14 years. He was a member of Bellefontaine VFW Post #1080 and Bellefontaine Eagles Aeries #2166. Dennis was a nature lover who enjoyed reading, watching old westerns, gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking and grilling, collecting Santa Claus figurines and decorating for Christmas. Dennis had a captivating sense of humor and a knack for storytelling. He was a caring and generous individual who helped anyone he found in need. Dennis’s greatest love was for his family and having a good time with family and friends.
A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1-4 pm at 10218 County Road 54, Lewistown, OH.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
