A devoted husband, fantastic father, loving grandfather and proud great-grandfather passed away on February 5th, 2023. Jim was a builder, electrician, tinkerer, putterer, story and joke teller, country music lover, gardener, nature watcher, Packer fan and sometimes a prankster.
He was born during a blizzard on January 26, 1929. He grew up on that same farm and learned to work hard and not to waste anything. His formative years being in the depression era, he could build something useful out of a pile of miscellaneous junk or pieces of wood and it would last for years. While he always liked riding on a tractor well into his 80’s, he enjoyed building with wood and fixing equipment much more and ended up working at “The Corporation” in Stanley most of his career. With a single glance, he could identify any wood by looking at the grain and color.
Jim met the love of his life, Lila Larson, and they were married on Halloween in 1953. Since he didn’t have any siblings, the Larson family became his adopted brothers and sisters. Lila’s family treated him as a brother and they spent countless weekends and holidays together. This continued throughout their lives creating incredible memories for all!
Jim lost his beloved wife in late November 2021 and missed her so much. He would look at pictures and say, “That’s my Sweety!” He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Lena, his wife Lila and several of his Larson relatives. He is survived by his children, Steve (Joan) Benzschawel, Dave (Sue) Benzschawel and Shari (Dave) Ederer, 6 grandchildren Andrea (Rick), Megan (Jacob), Christine (Andy), Paul (Sandy), Sam (Rachel) and Jake, and 4 great-grandchildren, Andrew Jr, Genevieve, Hudson and Evelyn and by sisters in-law Lois Fjelstad and Ruth Larson, a brother in-law John (Wanda) Larson and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held in Lakeview Cemetery-Eau Claire at 10AM on April 22nd. Then, at 1:30PM there will be a Celebration of Life for Jim and Lila at the Stanley Community Center. Any donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Jim Benzschawel. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family with arrangements.
