Virgil J. Bensman, 84, of Studer Road, Versailles, died at 5:10 a.m. April 23, 2010, at his home.

He was born Jan. 11, 1926, in Minster, to August L. and Marie T. Heitbrink Bensman. On Aug. 21, 1948, he married Mildred Gehret, who survives.

Also surviving are nine children, Shirley (Walter) Broering, St. Henry, Jerome (Marilyn) Bensman, Versailles, Irene (John) Bruns, Maria Stein, Mary Jane (Lester) Homan, New Bremen, John (Marian) Bensman, Russia, Steven (Debra) Bensman, Versailles, Theresa (Philip) Heitkamp, New Bremen, Marlene (Steven) Puthoff, Versailles, and Carl (Kathy) Bensman, Versailles; a daughter-in-law, Teresa (Bill) Gariety, Wapakoneta; four siblings, Lester (Carol) Bensman, of Indiana, LeRoy (Rosemary) Bensman, St. Henry, Roland (Sharon) Bensman, Versailles, and Elizabeth Walterbusch, Maria Stein; a sister-in-law, Joan Bensman, North Star; 35 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a son, Michael Bensman; two brothers, Alvin and Valinus Bensman; two sisters-in-law, Pat and Phyllis Bensman; a brother-in-law, Ivo Walterbusch; a grandson; and three infant great-granddaughters.

He retired from Minster Machine in 1986 and was engaged in agriculture all his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in active duty in Germany and France with the G.Co./274 Infantry. He attended St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, and was a member of Osgood American Legion, St. Remy Catholic War Veterans, St. Denis Knights of Columbus Commandary and the Darke County Right to Life.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial with full military honors is at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.

Calling is 2-9 p.m. Monday and 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.

Contributions can be made to the Darke County Right to Life or State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences can be left at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.