Dennis Bensman

Dennis Michael Bensman

June 29, 1947 – June 4, 2022

Dennis “Denny” Bensman, 74, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, June 4th surrounded by family at his home in Mason, OH. He was born June 29, 1947 in Piqua, OH and lived his childhood years on the family dairy farm in “the middle of nowhere, OH” – Minster party line phone number, Anna address, St. Patrick’s Church, and Ft. Loramie schools. He learned on the farm to use common sense, work hard, and get along with his siblings to stay out of trouble.

Denny was a long-time resident of Dayton, OH until his retirement. He leaves behind many loving family and friends – his wife of 53 years Jane Bensman, née Wehrman; his three children Jeff (Cyndi) Bensman, Brian (Amy) Bensman, and Michelle (Bill) Matheny.  He was the best Opa to seven adoring grandchildren – Ethan & Alec Bensman; Olivia & Mia Bensman; and Adele, Ella & Clara Matheny. He was the second oldest of 8 children and is survived by five siblings – Gary (Emmy) Bensman, Kathie (Howard) Holiday, Gregg (Sue) Bensman, Debby Colfer (Frank Cargill), and Brenda (Eric) Locker; and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents Werner & Euleta Bensman, his sister Susie Bensman, and his brother Danny Bensman; and his parents-in-law Richard & Delores Wehrman and sister-in-law Judy Wehrman.

He was a devoted husband, father, Opa, brother, friend and coworker.  Denny proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973. He began his career in IT at Frigidaire, working in this field for almost 38 years with the majority of his time as a contractor at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His last nine years of employment were spent as the Business Manager at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish in Dayton, OH, where he and his family were parishioners for 47 years. This work gave him the fulfilling opportunity to use his expertise as part of his ministry to serve a true passion – his faith in God.

Denny lived each day by the saying “What would Jesus do?”. It was a guiding mantra for him in how he made decisions and treated others.  And it showed to everyone he knew in his quiet, gentle nature and his desire to help those in need. He most enjoyed spending time with Jane, his kids, and his grandkids, as well as the many friends he had. His loved ones could always count on him for a smile, a joke, a hug, or a few lines to a favorite song to brighten the mood. Later in life, he was not the biggest fan of the outdoors or the beach – but he would agreeably go wherever his family wanted to be, another testament to his loving spirit. He loved woodworking, playing games, reading, working on puzzles, volunteering, and eating good food. No one ever went hungry or lacked smiles at a Bensman family gathering!

He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on June 3, 2011, but fought the good fight for 11 years. In that time, he made countless memories celebrating milestones, traveling and enjoying his family. One of his favorite sayings was “Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, then it’s not the end”. His loved ones take comfort in knowing that in the end, Denny is at peace with his Eternal Father.

A funeral service will be held on June 29 ^th , 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church (220 W. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45405). The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Denny’s name to Hospice of Cincinnati (hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate) or Our Lady of Mercy St. Vincent de Paul (make check out to OLOM St. Vincent de Paul Conference), mail to Our Lady of Grace Parish, 220 W. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45405).

Burial/ inurnment will be private for family members.