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James W. (Jim) Benzel

1950 to 2014

James W. (Jim) Benzel, 64 of Gering and former Sidney resident passed away Friday morning, June 27, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 2nd in the First United Methodist Church in Sidney with Rev Matt Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of the family, a memorial fund is being established.

You may view Jim's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

A complete obituary will be published when available.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Jim's care and funeral arrangements.

James (Jim) W. Benzel was born in Sidney to Adolph and Mary Benzel in March of 1950. Jim attended Sidney Public Schools and was very active in sports as a youth. He participated and excelled in football, wrestling and track in school. Jim graduated from Sidney High School in 1969. Jim and Karen Wahe were married in February of 1971 and have two children, Douglas and Renee.

Jim joined the Nebraska State Patrol in December of 1971. After completing his training at the Nebraska State Patrol Academy, he was assigned to Troop B and stationed in Crofton, Neb. In December of 1980, Jim transferred to Troop E and was stationed at Sidney until he retired in May of 2000. Upon retirement, Jim was given a commendation for distinguished service. After retirement, Jim worked for the City of Sidney driving the handi-bus and had other various jobs in order to stay busy. He also liked to spend time fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Franklin and sister Nancy.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, son, Douglas (Ola) of Greeley, Colo. and daughter, Renee (Levy) of Gothenburg, 6 grandchildren: Annika and Zosia Benzel, Jayden, Carter, Logan and Kiersten Hansen, brother-in- law Tim and (Aldoris) Wahe and family of Gillette, Wyo., and sister-in-law Debbie and (Chuck) Wells and family of Scottsbluff.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to all who helped during Jim's illness, especially Aldoris Wahe and Melissa Conn.

 

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