Alan W. Benfield

Alan W. Benfield, 75, passed away Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester surrounded by family.

Alan was born May 6, 1938, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Kenneth and Christina Benfield. He graduated from El Segundo High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. In California, he worked as a machinist. He married Sandra Hanson on Dec. 4, 1965, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kasson. After 23 years of working for the Kasson-Mantorville School District, he retired as head maintenance in 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; a daughter, Stacy; and grandson, Alexander of Rochester; sister, Janet (Don) Diem of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.; father-in-law, Roger Hanson of Kasson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mark and Darlene Hanson, Craig and Karen Hanson of Kasson, Diane Hanson of Coon Rapids, Don Diem of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Pat Benfield of Fountain Valley, Calif.; nine nieces and nephews; and special neighbors/friends, Rick, Darla and "Rick's kids" Kellen and Ryan and Kaden Enright.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ken.

Al enjoyed woodworking, making and refinishing furniture, gardening, yard work, watching his grandson play sports, fishing, hunting with brothers-in-law, Mark and Craig and sister-in-law, Karen, vacationing in northern Minnesota, and reminiscing about his ocean adventures. He was extremely creative, innovative and a true master "improviser."

Memorials may be directed to Seasons Hospice, American Cancer Society or a charity of donor's choice.

A private memorial service is planned.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Seasons Hospice for all of their care and support.

Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Kasson is assisting with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be made at dibblefuneralhome.com.