Harmon H. Benschoter

1934 - 2024

News story
By Mike Sigov
Blade Staff Writer

GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio - Harmon H. Benschoter of Grand Rapids, Ohio, an area engineer who was a Navy veteran of the Korean War, died April 20 at ProMedica Flower Hospital. He was 89.

He died of emphysema, daughter Pam Roberts said.

"He was an extremely hardworking, humble, loving family man," Mrs. Roberts said.

Mr. Benschoter retired in the mid-1990s after 39 years at the Johns Manville wallboard factory in Waterville, where he had advanced through the ranks from maintenance worker to plant engineer.

In retirement, he owned and operated a fishing charter boat, The Last Dime II, on Lake Erie for a time before permanently retiring. He also farmed.

Born May 25, 1934, in Wayne, Ohio, to Sylvia and Raymond Benschoter, he graduated valedictorian from high school in nearby Rudolph, Ohio, before volunteering for the Navy to serve in the Korean War.

Mr. Benschoter then served on a ship as a torpedo man for four years until his honorable discharge in the mid-1950s.

"He was very proud that he served in the Navy, but he just didn't speak about it that much," Mrs. Roberts said.

In 1958, Mr. Benschoter married the former Janet Walerius. They raised three children. She survives.

In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Benschoter also was an avid traveler, who visited all 50 states with family and friends.

He was a member of Grand Rapids Calvary Church.

His other memberships included Grand Rapids American Legion Post 232 where he was a past commander during several terms, and Grand Rapids Masonic Temple, where he was a master mason.

"He enjoyed the volunteer work at the American Legion and was always there to lend a hand," Mrs. Roberts said.

Mr. Benschoter was preceded in death by his brother James Benschoter.

Along with his wife of 65 years, Janet Benschoter, surviving are daughters Pam Roberts and Kathy McCollum, son Kevin Benschoter; brother Roger Benschoter, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Grand Rapids Calvary Church.

Arrangements are by Habegger Funeral Services.

The family suggests tributes to Flag City Honor Flight or Grand Rapids American Legion Post 232.