Rodney Benner

Rodney Duane Benner, 93, Clear Lake, died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City, Iowa.  
    Funeral services were held Saturday, July 30, at the Open Bible Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Will Hunsaker officiating.  Military honors were provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W. Graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 1, at the Clear Lake Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to the Rodney Duane Benner Memorial Fund.

     Rodney was born July 4, 1918 in Ventura, the son of Franklin Everett and Florence Fern (Hyde) Benner.  He was raised on the farm and attended rural schools.  He married Norma Preston on Oct. 16, 1938 in Princeton, Mo.  Rodney enlisted in the Army at Camp Dodge in Des Moines in 1944, during WWII, working in combat engineering. On discharge he was awarded three bronze stars for Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns and a Good Conduct medal. After an Honorable Discharge, Rodney drove truck and also worked for Northern Natural Gas for 29 years, retiring in 1980. He attended the Open Bible Church, Clear Lake.  He was a former member of the Clear Lake V.F.W.
     Rodney enjoyed traveling and listening to country music.  
     Rodney is survived by his daughters, Nancy Lee Benner, Lady Lake, Fla., and Carol Marie Hayes, Orlando, Fla.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Hargarten, Summerfield, Fla.; and a special friend, Delores Klang, Clear Lake.
     Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma, 1997; daughter, Norma Jean Benner; son, James Benner; one grandchild, Eddie Hahn; and a sister, Geraldine Kopecky.
    Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.