Thomas J. Bensman, 78, 04530 Bensman Road, Minster, died at 5 a.m. Aug. 21, 2009, at his residence.

He was born April 29, 1931, in Minster to Albert and Eleanor Stueve Bensman. On May 18, 1957, he married Dorothy A. Ebbing, who survives.

Other survivors are a daughter, Sharon Didier, Versailles; a son, Karl Bensman, Minster; brothers and sisters, Paul (Joan) Bensman, Minster, Bernadette Hoying, Minster, and Martha Buschur, Coldwater; a brother-in-law, Robert (Ann) Ebbing, Coldwater; and four grandsons.

Deceased are a sister, Joan Thieman; and three brothers-in-law, Elmer Hoying, Robert Buschur and Donald Thieman.

He lived his entire life on a centennial farm in Minster with the exception of two years he served in the U.S. Army. He was a 1949 graduate of Minster High School. He attended St. Augustine Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He served 12 years on the school board and was a member of the Minster Civic Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and American Legion, both in Minster, and the Loramie Valley Alliance Board and Jackson Township Zoning Board. He was a 10-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Revs. Vincent Hoying, Rick Nieberding and John Bensman officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Contributions can be made to Grand Lake Hospice or Shrine of the Holy Relics, Maria Stein.