Larry M. Benner, 87, of Valparaiso went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2024, after a brief stay at VNA Hospice Center following complications after a cardiac arrest. He was born in Logansport, Indiana, on January 12, 1937, to Frederick L. and Blanch E. (McGriff) Benner, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Jane E. Hepler, Daniel C. Benner, and Marian S. Michael. Larry grew up on his family’s farm outside Logansport and graduated in 1954 from Logansport High School, where he lettered in cross country. In 1958, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Purdue University, where he was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. After college, he served two years in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis.
On August 26, 1961, Larry married Patricia A. Dunn, who survives him, along with their children, children’s spouses, and grandchildren: Pam (Ed) Byrne, Fred (Kim) Benner, and Tammy (John) Scheibel; Alex Byrne, Drew (fiancee Kayli Joseph) Benner, Jade (fiance Jake Maruk) Benner, Hannah (Matt) Hoyert, all of Valparaiso; and Marybeth Scheibel, of Culver, Indiana. He is also survived by his wife’s sister and her husband, Barbara (DeLane) Ball of Huntington, WV, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. After retiring from a career of forty years as a mortgage loan officer, Larry worked tirelessly as a volunteer for various agencies, including the Christian Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center, Sunrise Kiwanis, and VNA Hospice. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church Men’s Group and the Sons of the American Revolution. He enjoyed doing genealogy research, watching high school and college basketball games, and spending time with his family.
Instead of visitation or funeral services, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Angelcrest Cemetery. The family welcomes memorial donations to St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center, 1859 Harrison Boulevard, Valparaiso, IN 46385; VNA Hospice NWI, 501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383; or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
GUESTBOOK
Each and every one of us who knew Larry have our own special memories of him, especially you of his immediate family who knew him best. Our two families have shared memories that will be with us ongoingly- pleasant and happy memories of good times together both in IN and WV filled with laughter and joy! “What are the sleeping arrangements?” was a much asked question!! We pray Our Lord will comfort and sustain you all through this time of grieving and adjustment to our/your loved one’s absence from among us! You are in our prayers! Much love, -DeLane and Barbara Ball
Whenever I would see Larry, he would have a smile on his face. I am glad to remember him in this way. May the joy-filled memories of Larry surround your family at this time. -Kate Shifflett
I will always remember Uncle Larry as a fun guy. He was always ready to jump up and do something adventurous impromptu, and welcomed anyone who wished to join him. I will never forget the time he wanted to walk down the coast of Lake Michigan. The only takers were me and my cousin Fred (we were about 12 and 9 years old respectively). Sounded like a fun stroll. About 4 hours and at least 8 miles later we finished exhausted but satisfied in our accomplishment. I now understand how he lettered in Cross Country. Our prayers go out to your entire family during this difficult time. Sincerely, -Jeff Ball
I appreciated all that Larry did in Sunrise Kiwanis. He was helping in various capacities and always had a joke or a trivia. He was our treasurer for many years. -Cynthia Felton
Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. May all your wonderful memories and your families give you peace at this time and in the future. I have always thought a lot of you and Larry and your children. May the Lord be with you at this time and you have peace. Love, -Yvonne Kaleth (Condo) and Chris Condo
