Obituary of Calvin Ross Benz

    Calvin Ross “Cal” Benz, 79, passed away December 24, 2017 at his home in Raytown, Missouri. Born on October 14, 1938 to Bill and Hilda (Klever) Benz, Cal spent his early years in Melvin, Iowa, helping his father and younger brother on the family farm. He received his education at Melvin, playing sports throughout his high school years; graduating with the class of 1956.

    Cal enlisted in the United States Army in 1956, serving for nearly two years in the Office of the Chief of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He then attended Morningside College at Sioux City, Iowa for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa at Iowa City, Iowa, where he received a degree in Business Administration.

    He worked for a short time at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he was employed at Wilcox Electric, and later at Hallmark Cards for 15 years. Cal was actively involved in local Jackson County politics during the mid-1960’s to early 1980’s, and later started a residential real estate business that he managed following his retirement from Hallmark Cards.

    Cal was an avid fisherman and a charter member of the Raytown Bass Club. He was also an ardent sports fan and enjoyed following Royals baseball and Big Ten Football/Basketball.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; and younger brother, Randy Benz, in 2001.

    Cal is survived by his son, Brett Benz, and his former wife, Linda (Obert) Benz both of Kansas City, sister-in-law, Mary Benz of Arnolds Park, Iowa; two nephews: Scott Benz of Addison, Illinois and Mike Benz of Elgin, Illinois; other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to

Saint Luke’s Foundation at www.saintlukesgiving.org or the

University of Iowa at www.donate.givetoiowa.org.

Celebration of Life

Calvin Ross “Cal” Benz

Born ~ October 14, 1938

Died ~ December 24, 2017

Age ~ 79 years    2 months    10 days

Memorial Gathering

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Following Committal

Melvin American Legion Building

Melvin, Iowa

Military Graveside Rites

Melvin American Legion

Reed Guthrie Post #470

Interment

Baker Township Cemetery

Melvin, Iowa

11:00 a.m.