Vernon Benz

Beloved father and grandfather, Vernon “Vern” Lawrence Benz, 76, of Mullan, Idaho, passed away January 26, 2014 at the Hospice House of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born March 2, 1937 in Hazen, North Dakota; Vern was the son of Phillip and Hertha Benz.

Vern attended and graduated from the Hazen High School of Hazen, North Dakota in 1955. He moved to the Silver Valley in 1955 from North Dakota.

Vern married Violet “Luby” Ban on November 17, 1956 in Mullan; Violet passed away on May 16, 2011.

Vern had served as a hoist man at the Star Mine for the Hecla Mining Company and then he went to work for Consolidated Silver. Vern had also served as an independent contract carpenter.

Vern was a member of the Wallace Elks, had been a member of the Mullan Mens Bowling League, a member of the Snowmobile Club, a former member of the Mullan JayCees and had served as a volunteer for the Mullan Fire Department. Vern had also served on the Mullan School Board for many years.

Vern loved and enjoyed his afternoon drives to Potsville, lake fishing, motor home camping, snowmobiling and playing cribbage with Doc Chambers.

Vern is survived by his son Kevin (Maureen) Benz of Silverton, Idaho; his daughter Kathy (Gary) Fuller of Wallace; five grandchildren Keith Benz and Amanda of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Marcus Benz of Maui, Hawaii, Lianne Gallinger and Mike of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Marty Gallinger and Jerrica of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Jordan Benz of Coeur d’ Alene; Vern is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Violet and ten brothers and sisters.

Memorial Services and A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 1:00 P.M. at the Wallace Elks (downstairs) of Wallace, Idaho with Rev. Art Fleming officiating; the family asks everyone to dress casual and to wear flannel shirts like Vern enjoyed wearing. A potluck reception will be held at the Elks following services and everyone is welcome. Inurnment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery of Mullan at a later date.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Hospice of North Idaho (Hospice House), 9493 Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835 or to the Silver Wood Good Samaritan, P.O. Box 358, Silverton, Idaho 83867.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

---