Lyle Benz

Lyle Benz, 90, passed away peacefully at home among family, in Estancia, New Mexico, on January 18, 2013. Born October 1, 1922, to John and Mary Benz of Expansion, North Dakota, his early years on the family farm began a lifetime of adventure. In 1944, he married his childhood sweetheart, Grace Jensen, of Hazen North Dakota. Their sixty-six year marriage took them and their seven children around the world. His early interest in flying became a lifelong passion for aviation. He flew as a commercial airline pilot, established an airport in Hazen, North Dakota, in the early years of American aviation, and as an Air Force pilot was a veteran of three wars. While in the Air Force he flew 262 missions in the Korean War, being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three air medals. The course of his military career took him through many assignments all over the world including Asia, Europe, and Africa. From the rebuilding of the Kawasaki aircraft factory in Japan to arctic rescue missions, he welcomed every challenge and new adventure. Retiring from aviation, Lyle returned to New Mexico with his family where he established an alfalfa farm in the Estancia Valley and pursued oil and gas exploration and drilling, while his wife Grace opened the Fabric Shop. In his last year, his enthusiasm for the outdoors and love of fishing took him on a 90-day, 9,000-mile fishing adventure through Alaska with his grandson Nick. He is preceded in death by his wife Grace Jensen Benz, daughter Linda Marie Benz, brother Milton Benz, and sister Marvel Foss. He is survived by brothers John Benz and Gordon Benz, and sister Pauline Townsend. He is also survived by daughters Judith Tamm, Rebecca (John Hinte) Benz, Teresa (Steve) Lockwood, and sons Jason (Christina) Benz , Neal (Carol) Benz, and Curtis (Linda) Benz, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As his grandson Justin said, “There are not enough adjectives to describe my Grandpa. In short, he served our country, was a great father, grandfather and great-grandpa.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Enchantment Legacy, P.O. Box 697, Estancia, NM, 87016.