Richard "Dick" Bennis of Delmar passed away Wednesday February 16th at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday February 25th, at 10:30 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Delmar, IA. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday February 24th at Carson Celebration of Life Center Maquoketa, IA. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Church Cemetery, Delmar.

Dick was born May 31, 1937 in Maquoketa, IA to Jerry and Flossie (Lane) Bennis. He grew up in the Welton/Delmar area farming with his father. He graduated from Delmar High School in 1955. He served in the Army Reserve two years with an honorable discharge. Dick married Sharon Westphal in October 1956 and to this union were born two daughters, Jane & Julie. After Sharon's passing in 1963, Dick married Joyce Petersen in 1967; they became the parents of two sons, Kent & Kye. Dick and Joyce celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Dick spent his entire life farming near Delmar. He had a particular love for livestock and feeding animals. He always talked of his devotion to Faith, Family, and Friends. His Catholic faith was the foundation of his life. Dick inspired many with his big heart, positive attitude, sense of humor, and kindness, even during the most difficult days. He was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Delmar. He served on the Delwood School board, as a leader of the Delmar HotShots 4-H club, and Charter member of Delmar Lions. Dick was active member of Clinton Co. Pork Producers and served on Clinton County Farm Service agency board.

Dick was an avid card player, joke and storyteller. The Bennises made lifelong friends through trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Ireland, and many other adventures. They enjoyed attending sporting and music events, especially those of their family, and watching the Cubs, Hawkeyes, and Cyclones.

Dick will be dearly missed by his wife, Joyce; his four children Jane (Don) Bowman of Fulton, IL; Julie (Jim) Kapsch of Robins, IA; Kent (Kristi) Bennis of Delmar; Kye (Sara) Bennis of Delmar; and ten grandchildren: Linissa Cooper, Lara Buckles, Liana LaShelle, Lucy Feltman, Mary Kapsch, Blair Bennis, Brie Bennis, Brant Bennis, Drew Bennis, Reagan Bennis, and ninegreat-grandchildren; his sister Carol Novak, brother Jerry (Connie) Bennis, and sister in-law Mary Bennis. Dick is preceded in death by his first wife Sharon; his parents Jerry & Flossie Bennis, and his brother Gary Bennis.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials can be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Camp Courageous of Iowa, or St. Croix Hospice of Cedar Rapids.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.