James R. Bensinger

James R. (Ben) Bensinger

Peterborough, NH - James R. (Ben) Bensinger, beloved husband of Linda, died following a car accident on October 28, 2024. He was 82 years old.

Ben was a Christian. He trusted in his salvation through the life, death and resurrection of his Lord Jesus Christ. Ben lived his faith with a cheerful attitude and readiness to help others.

Ben grew up in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, with his immediate family consisting of his mother Irene and his Aunt Mildred and Uncle Stan. Mildred and Stan ran a gift shop where Ben worked during summer vacations. Stan was also a carpenter, as were several other uncles. So Ben's interests in glass and wood and working with his hands were awakened at a young age.

After graduation from high school Ben enlisted in the US Navy and served four years. When he was discharged he decided on the Milwaukee School of Engineering to further his education. It was during this time that he and Linda met.

Upon his graduation from MSOE he was employed by General Electric Co. on the island of Shemya in the Aleutians for 18 months. When he returned he and Linda were married, in October, 1969. They had just celebrated their 55th anniversary.

They lived briefly in New York State and rehabbed their first house there. Then came a transfer to Wisconsin (Linda's home state) and the renovation of two more houses. But they felt drawn to New England, where they had honeymooned, and settled in Dublin, NH in 1980. The antique house and barn were a 40-year rehab project and the site of their business, Hedge House Gifts. Ben and Linda were collectors as well as dealers in American glass, primarily Fenton Art Glass. In 2021 they sold the Dublin property and moved to Scott-Farrar in Peterborough.

Ben was currently serving on the board of trustees of the Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America. He was on his way to West Virginia to work on the Museum of Fenton Art Glass when the accident occurred.

Ben and Linda were charter members of Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Rindge, New Hampshire and were actively involved in many ways over its 40-year history. Ben served as chairman of the building committee and also constructed much of the furniture in the sanctuary. He was also an accomplished designer and crafter of furniture for their homes. When complimented on his skill he invariably said, "I like to make sawdust."

Ben is survived by his wife Linda (nee Schaefer), Linda's sister Ann and her husband George in Wisconsin, and several of Ben's cousins in Pennsylvania.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 11:00 am at Advent Lutheran Church.

Please consider a memorial donation to Advent Lutheran Church, 137 US Route 202 (PO Box 153) Rindge, NH 03461 or the Museum of Fenton Art Glass, PO Box 384, Williamstown, WV 26187.