Robert R. “Bob” Benson, 89, Iola, passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at Windsor Place Nursing Center in Iola.
Robert was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Blue Mound, the son of Ralph and Alleen (Curran) Benson. He grew up in Blue Mound and graduated from Blue Mound High School. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II.
On April 20, 1956, Bob married Zeretha A. “DeDe” (Hart) Beaman. She preceded him in death Aug. 1, 1981.
He was a machinist and welder in Blue Mound and later worked for Nelson Brothers. He purchased Iola Marine Company from Elmer Earl and acquired the Honda franchise in 1964. The shop evolved into Iola Motorcyles, Inc. In 1999, he moved the shop to New Strawn. In 2010, he sold the shop and retired.
Robert enjoyed working in his home shop designing and building mechanical equipment and woodworking. He raced Go-Karts and then motorcycles into his mid 50s. He was also known for modifying engines for these machines.
Survivors include two step-sons, Riley Beaman, Iola, and Cecil Beaman and wife Sandy, Belle Plaine; two grandchildren, Annette Simpson and husband Larry, Belle Plaine, and Randy Beaman and wife Sandi, Haysville; two great-grandsons, Alex and Zach Beaman; and two nephews, Franz DeKlotz and family of Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Karl DeKlotz and family of Fresno, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his sister, Lila DeKlotz.
Visitation will be 7-8 p.m. Wednesday at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Thursday before leaving for the LaHarpe Cemetery for graveside services at 2 o’clock. Memorials are suggested to either Wings of Warriors Cancer Foundation of Allen County or ACARF (Allen County Animal Rescue Facility) and may be left with the funeral home.
Bob Benson
