Thomas Eugene Benz, 70, of Kane,IL passed away at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville,IL.

He was born in Kampsville,IL on Oct. 21 1943, the son of the late Arthur and Theresa (Corbett) Benz. He married the former JoAn Stelbrink on July 3, 1965, at the St. Anselm's Catholic Church in Kampsville,IL and she survives.

Also surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri and Chuck MacLean of Bella Vista, AZ, Cindy Keneipp of Columbia, MO, and Laura and Terry Woodring of Jerseyville,IL; six grandchildren, Maria MacLean, Mandi MacLean, Alex Keneipp, Rachel Keneipp, Leann Woodring, and Taylor Woodring; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Mary Benz of Quincy,IL and Dan and Sharon Benz of Woodbine,MD; a stepsister, Patsy Smith of Hannibal, MO.; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dick and Donna Stelbrink of Kampsville,IL Jim and Frances Stelbrink of Pearl,IL and Mike and Cathy Stelbrink of Kampsville,IL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter; a brother, Paul Anthony; a sister, Mary Ellen; a stepmother, Loretta Benz; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Virginia (Kadell) Stelbrink.

Tom was a 1961 graduate of Hardin High School and obtained a bachelors in agriculture economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale,IL. He had been employed for 42 years with the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency in Carrollton,IL serving as a farm loan manager.

Tom was a very active and loyal man, serving as the former president of the Illinois Employee Association, and as a former school board member of Carrollton Community Unit School District 1. He was active in the Lions Club, serving in several capacities including president, secretary and treasurer. He was a former board member and treasurer of Boyd Memorial Hospital and an active member of the St. John's Catholic Church in Carrollton. He was also involved in the Knights of Columbus, Quincy Cursillo, and was active in the Residents Encounter Christ Prison Ministry. In his "spare" time, Tom enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing, but truly cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday,February 27, 2014 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Carrollton,IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2014 at the church with Fr. Henry Schmidt and Fr. John Patrick Day concelebrating. Burial will be at St. Anselm's Catholic Cemetery in Kampsville,IL.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to the St. John's Catholic School, St. John's Catholic Church, masses or to a charity of one's choice.

The Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville,IL is in charge of arrangements.

~~Jacksonville Journal-Courier; Feb. 26, 2014~~