Robert Jay Benz

Robert Jay "Bob" Benz, age 89 of Cannon Falls, died peacefully at home on Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025.

Bob was born on April 20, 1936 in Rochester, the only child to Fred A. Benz and Charlotte (Meinders) Benz. Bob graduated from Monroe High School in St. Paul in 1954. While in high school, he enlisted in the National Guards. He later served with the US Air Force from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1958.

Bob married Phyllis Magnuson on October 3, 1959 at Randolph Baptist Church, and they moved to Cannon Falls and bought their farm in the spring, 1960. He was a dairy farmer for 10 years, and also raised beef and chickens.

He was an active member of the Cannon Community Church, where he was a missions director, taking many mission trips. He was also involved with the Gideons. He began working in the fire protection business in 1988 with Northland Fire Protection. He also owned and operated Cannon Falls Fire & Safety. Bob enjoyed farming, traveling, and serving on the elevator board.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis; children, Carrie (Bill) Gellert of Brainerd, Kevin (Yenela) Benz of Arden Hills, Lori (Todd) Lundell of Clearbrook, Steven (Yasmine) Benz of Mendota Heights, and Jana (Mike) Homan of Cannon Falls; 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9 from 2-5 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. A memorial service will be on Monday, November 10 at 11 am, with visitation from 10-11am, at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls. This service will be livestreamed and available to watch below. Interment with military honors will follow at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.

In memory of Bob, contributions may be made to Mayo Clinic Hospice - Red Wing or to the charity of donor's choice.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Bob’s service via livestream, you can watch the service on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.