William "Shorty" Lawrence Benge Obituary (1937

William "Shorty" Lawrence Benge, 83, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Douds, IA passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Park Place Elder Living Center in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2021 at the Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with Pastor David Bracht-Wagner officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation, with the family present, will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA. Memorial contributions in Shorty's honor may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Cemetery Association, Eldon Depot Museum, or the Douds Methodist Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. William "Shorty" L. Benge was born on August 2, 1937 in Floris, IA to Wm. Wallace and Mildred M. McClure Benge. Shorty was raised on a farm and understood the value of hard work at an early age. At age of 14 he became a jockey and raced at many places in the Midwest. Shorty enjoyed being a jockey. He attended Douds High School graduating with the class of 1956. Shorty met a young woman by the name of Beverly Jean Bonnett and they were united in marriage January 26, 1963 and became loving parents to three children: Brenda, Lesa and Brian. Shorty worked hard to support his family, first for the Rock Island as a Brakeman and Conductor where he worked for over 23 years. Upon their closure, he worked briefly at Plexco Plastics in Fairfield. He then began his career as a service inspector with Rathbun Rural Water, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. While working these jobs, he also farmed, where he especially enjoyed his cattle. He also enjoyed building Martin houses and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was active in the Douds Methodist Church as well as helping in the community with Douds Field Day and serving as chair for Douds Pancake Breakfast. Shorty was well known for his gift of telling stories, practical jokes and always had time to tell a good joke. His presence will be missed by his family and his many friends. Shorty was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Brian Benge; two brothers, Donald Benge and Pearl Benge (in infancy), and one sister, Linda Nason. Left to tell his story is his loving wife, Beverly Benge of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two daughters, Brenda (Pat) Hanson of Hamburg, Germany and Lesa Fitzpatrick of Mt. Pleasant, IA; four grandchildren, Ian (Emily) Hanson, Brock (Carolyn) Hanson, Tyler Fitzpatrick, and Maggie Fitzpatrick, and a great grandchild on the way; two siblings, Laverne Benge of Birmingham, IA and Jeanie Ferguson of Ottuwma, IA, as well as many extended family and friends.