Richard L. Benner

Richard L. (Dutch) Benner January 25, 1928 September 5, 2014 Richard L. (Dutch) Benner, 86, of Centre Hall, passed from this life on Friday, September 5, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born January 25, 1928 in Bellefonte, Dick was a son of the late Russell and Helen (Spearly) Benner. Dick proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. He was employed at Cerro Copper & Brass, retiring as a supervisor with 40 + years of service. On January 14, 1978, he was united in marriage to Betty J. Stover who survives. In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by one daughter, LuAnn Benner of Spring Mills; two stepdaughters, Connie Trauger of Millheim and Candace Ream (Ronald) of Aaronsburg; two stepsons, Gary "Jake" Stover (Janice) of Millheim and Joe Stover (Laurie) of Pleasant Gap and siblings, Thelma M. Witmer, Edward Benner (Donna), Thomas G. Benner (Janet), Helen M. Eckley (Dale), and Joseph M. Benner (Deb). Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 22 great and great-great-grand-children. Dick was preceded in death by two sisters, Louise Lindsey and Dorothy Hall; two grandchildren, Angela Jo Ream and Jessica Linn Stover and one great-grandson, Ryan Marchese. Dick was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall. He was a longtime member of the Bellefonte Elks Lodge 1094 and a former Gregg Township Supervisor. He enjoyed dancing, especially polka dancing, golfing, playing cards and attending the tractor pulls at the Grange Fair. Above all else, Dick will be remembered for his great sense of humor and how he could make people laugh and have fun with them. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, September 8th from 11 - 12 noon at Grace United Methodist Church, 127 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, followed by the funeral service at noon with Pastor Mark Messner officiating. Dick will be laid to rest at Centre County Memorial Park in State College. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dick may be given to Centre Crest Auxiliary, 502 E. Howard St., Bellefonte, Pa. 16823. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevenrnefffuneralhome.com.