Darold Benz

Darold Benz, 80, Beulah ND, died Monday July 8, 2019 at Sakakawea Medical Center.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM CDT on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, Beulah, with Pastor Mary Lou Aune officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church.

Darold was born January 7, 1939 at Hazen, ND to Friedebert and Emma (Zeller) Benz and was baptized Feb 11, 1939 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  He attended Mercer County Elementary and Beulah High School, graduating in 1956.  In 1958 he married Adella (Della) Hafner, and they celebrated their 61st anniversary on January 1, 2019.  Darold graduated from Bismarck State College and Dickinson State University. Then he and Della returned to Beulah, where Darold founded Benz Insurance Agency in 1961, and lived until his death.

Darold was always civic-minded, participating and leading many local, state, and national organizations.  He was mayor of Beulah for 24 years.  He was president of the ND League of Cities, ND Association of Fairs, ND Lamb and Wool Producers, ND Professional Insurance Agents, and ND Jaycees. Additionally, he was chair of the Republican Party District 33 Republican party for 22 years, a member of the National Small City Council, Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader, Beulah Chamber of Commerce, Beulah Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Charter member of the Beulah Eagles and Mercer County Fair, and was Founder and member of the Teen Kings Dance Band.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on multiple committees.

Darold is survived by his wife, Adella (Della ) Benz, Beulah, three children Matthew (Amy) Benz, St Mary’s, Kansas; Laura Benz, Beulah; Marsha (Mike) Kensok, Fargo. Grandchildren: Amber (Jeff) Pacewic Yuma, AZ; Justin Benz St Mary’s, KS; Cassie (Spencer) Jones, Wamego, KS; Lucas Kensok, Fargo, ND; Noah (Tiffianie) Kensok Fargo, ND; and Great Grandchildren: Ty, Hayden, and Hadley Jones, and  Austin, Emma, and Katie Pacewic. In laws: Myron (Carrie) Hafner, Herman (Susan) Hafner, and David Hafner; one uncle, Helmuth Pfennig, one niece, two nephews and numerous foster brothers and sisters.

Darold was preceded in death by his parents, one great grandson, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church, Beulah ND.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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