Ronald Eaton Benjamin

Ronald Benjamin, 79, of Ankeny passed away July 19, 2017. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Ankeny First United Methodist Church (206 S.W. Walnut). A visitation will be held 5 – 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 24th at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home (4208 N Ankeny Blvd). Ron was born in Des Moines, Iowa January 9, 1938. He grew up in Ankeny and graduated from Ankeny High School. In September of 1962, he married Laura Brugioni. They made their home in rural Ankeny where they farmed and raised 4 children. Ron farmed his whole life, but also held a full time job with the Des Moines Register and Tribune, and later, John Deere. Farming was his passion in life. In addition to farming, he enjoyed gardening, camping and fishing, riding horses, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boating, and driving his old cars. He restored several old cars himself, and also helped out on a few for family and friends. Ronald is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura; 4 children, LaRon and (Ron) Garlock, Russell (Lisa) Benjamin, Lori (Clel) Herr, and LeAnna (Doug) Hoyt; 10 grandchildren, James and Ben Garlock, Jessica (Blake) Mikesell, John Benjamin, Joe and Annie Herr, Kody (Kaitlyn) Kokemiller, Blaine and Brody Hoyt, and Kaylinn (Tyson) Smith; 3 great-grandchildren, Ellie Mikesell, Brooks Kokemiller, and River Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Maxine Benjamin, and a brother Robert.