Gary L. Benzel

Gary L. Benzel, 83, of Grand Island died November 8, 2021, at his home. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Gary was born April 25, 1938, in Grand Island to Alex and Amelia (Dietrich) Benzel. He grew up in Grand Island and attended and graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1956. He then attended Kearney State College for engineering. He then joined the family painting business- Benzel and Dietrich, he also owned Benzel Lot Striping.

In 1983, Gary was united in marriage to Lonna Carpenter at Grand Island. The couple made their home in Grand Island. Gary loved woodworking, painting, and making birdhouses out of old license plates. He also enjoyed watching westerns and wrestling.

Survivors of the family include his wife, Lonna of Grand Island; children: Nikki (Kevin) Stobbe of Grand Island, Lisa (Ken) Freidt of Grand Island, Cyndi (Gordon) Sanders of Cozad, NE, Teri (Marv) Engleman of Grand Island; stepchildren: LaDonna Wolinski and Scott Vieth of St. Paul, NE, Matthew Carpenter of Colorado Springs, CO, Bill Carpenter of Plentywood, MT; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; brother-in-law: Kyle (Dee) Hetrick of Grand Island; and sister-in-law: Mary Susan (Mark) Warford of Grand Island.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Benzel; brother, Richard Benzel; and brother-in-law, Timothy Redinger.