Theo L. Bensend, age 95, of Hattiesburg, MS, (formerly of Hillsdale and Barron), beloved father, brother, grandfather, and uncle, passed into the presence of the Lord, July 21, 2025.

Theo was born in Reeve, WI, on August 29, 1929, to the late John and Lucille (Sanford) Bensend. He was married to Carolyn Lanham on August 15, 1953, and later divorced. He then was married to Clarice Bjorge on September 12, 1982; she passed away on May 15, 2005. Theo later married Janice Kahl on December 13, 2008; she passed on May 13, 2025.

Theo was a 1947 graduate of the Prairie Farm High School. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Marines from 1952 to 1955. Theo was an electrical engineer through General Electric working at various locations including Milwaukee, WI, and Minneapolis, MN.

He retired after many years as a senior field engineer. Theo had a strong work ethic. He owned and operated a dairy farm in the Hillsdale, WI, area with his wife, Carolyn, for 15 years all while being employed at General Electric also. He enjoyed reading, outside work of any kind, remodeling houses, fishing, playing Sudoku, and word puzzles. He traveled the country with his motor home for many years. Theo was a faithful member of Pineview Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. He would read his Bible and pray for his family every day. Above all, Theo cherished time with his family.

Survivors include his sons, Theo (Bev) Bensend, Jr., and Robert Bensend; his daughter, Joy (Charles) Scheele; sisters, Kearney Thompson, Mary Beth Iverson, Mabel (Elton) Hoff. Theo is further survived by grandchildren, Matthew (Bethany) Scheele, Joshua Scheele, and Sarah Scheele; in addition to many nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Jim Kahl; stepchildren, Scott (Dianne) Wild, Katherine Donahoe, Janelle Lowrey, and Barbara (Steven) Podpeskar; step-grandchildren, Lauren (Taft) Alford, Will (Sarah) Lowrey, Andrea (Trevor) Sorenson, Alexis (Benjamin) Greene, Rachel (Will) Letts, Elijah Donahoe, Elina (Brian) Trancheff, April Wild and Carl Wild; in addition to eight step-great-grandchildren.

Theo was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille; wives, Carolyn, Clarice, and Janice; brothers, Arlo Bensend and Donavan Bensend; grandchildren, Jenny Bensend and Ricky Bensend; brothers-in-law, Lester Thompson and Cliff Iverson; sister-in-law, Donna Bensend.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hillsdale, WI with Rev. Charles Scheele officiating. A visitation will be from 10:00 until 12:00 p.m. at the church before the service. Interment will take place at Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

Last Update: Jul 25, 2025 7:19 am CDT