Joseph "Joe" Arthur Benz

October 22, 1954 - July 23, 2021

Joseph “Joe” Arthur Benz of Ironton, Missouri, departed this life on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the age of 66. He was born October 22, 1954, in St. Louis County, a son of Edward “Ed” and Lorraine Bushman Benz. In December of 1983, Joe began dating a girl named Kim Elsworth. The two became a loving family and were united in marriage on March 12, 1988. Joe graduated from Hazelwood High School in 1973 and went on to Carpenters Apprenticeship School. For many years after school Joe worked as a skilled and talented Journeyman Carpenter. This skill wasn’t just a job for Joe, this was a passion, and a way for him to show his love to those around him. Joe’s skill allowed him to create many types of furniture and other items for his family and loved ones. He was a master “fiddler”, not the instrument, but the master at fiddling with projects, and if you knew Joe, you know he was always in the middle of at least four or five. He was the president of the Joe Benz Fan Club, the self-elected mayor of Sunshine Street, an avid fisherman, a music lover, and one of the best guys you could have ever had on your side. He was a loving and devoted husband, a cherished father, brother, and son, and a truly wonderful friend. He was the definition of, one of a kind. Joe will be missed and remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him. Joe is survived by his mother Lorraine Benz of Elsah Hills, IL, Kim his loving wife of Ironton, MO, four children; Abigail Benz and husband Nic Mertz of Fremont Hills, MO, Nicholas Benz of Springfield, MO, Brooke Benz of Kansas City, MO, and Matthew Benz of Farmington, MO, four grandchildren; Phoenix, Scylis, Thomas, and Samuel, two brothers; Tom Benz of Farmington, MO, and Ed Benz of Elsah Hills, IL, four sisters; Janice Vespa of University City, MO, Barb Scannell of Jerseyville, IL, Lisa Ferrell of West Alton, MO, and Katie Meisch of High Ridge, MO, and many other loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Joe is preceded in rest by his father Edward “Ed” Benz. To remember Joe, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Lake Killarney Lodge from 1pm to 5pm.