John Mark Benz died Feb. 24, 2004, at the age of 75 at his home
in Morgan Hill.
John Mark Benz died Feb. 24, 2004, at the age of 75 at his home in Morgan Hill. His beloved wife Donna and family surrounded him. His last words to his brother Danny were “I’ll beat you to heaven to see Mom and Dad.”
Born Oct. 7 in San Jose, he grew up and made his residence in the Paradise Valley area of Morgan Hill. He and Donna shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. He was the father of Markly Machado and her husband Manny, of San Jose, grandfather of Tristan Benz, currently serving in the U.S. Army in Arizona, Rachelle Akino and Ruby Machado, of San Jose.
He also is survived by siblings Catherine Bucher, of Yucaipa, Ellenore Leimas, of Modesto, Esther Stevenson, of Campbell, and Florence “Skip” Perry, Daniel Benz and Marie Brindle, all of Morgan Hill.
He was the brother-in-law to Betty Pipkin, Al Butcher, Tony Leimas, Cecile Benz and Richard Brindle; uncle to Rowdy, John Jr., Johnna, Roy, Gary, Shawn, Karen, Cheryl, Danny Jr., Jeff, Jerry, Tami and Chance. He had a large extended family and many close friends.
He grew up on the ranch in westside Morgan Hill. He attended Machado Elementary School and then Live Oak High School.
During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S. Iowa and at Midway Island.
He recently retired after more than 40 years of service, most of which was with Benz Construction as a heavy equipment engineer. He was known as the best “dozer” operator around, and his reputation for excellence preceded him.
He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed the outdoors. Hunting, fishing and RVing were always an adventure for John. He was a bit of mischief and with his great sense of humor always had you smiling. Somebody said that if John didn’t harass you he didn’t like you. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Viewing is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Crossroads Christian Center, 145 Wright Ave.
Funeral Services will take place at 11 a.m.
The family asks that any donations be made to: Kaiser Hospice, 275 Hospital Parkway #825, San Jose, CA 95119.
Arrangement were by Johnson Funeral Home.
