Robert "Bob" Bensch

Robert “Bob” Bensch, age 95, of Mankato, MN died Monday, May 27, 2024 at Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato.  Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Woodland Hills Funeral Chapel in Mankato.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park Indoor Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Blue Earth Nicolett County Humane Society (BENCHS).

Bob was born July 28, 1928 in Decorah, IA to Henry and Hazel (Ahrens) Bensch.  He graduated from Decorah High School in 1946 and received a General Engineering Degree at Iowa State University in 1950.  Bob served in the US Air Force during the Korean War from 1950-1954.  On September 7, 1958 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Christensen at the First Methodist Church in Thornton, IA.  In 1962 he received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa.

Bob worked in sales at Allis Chalmers from 1954-1962, as a Professor at Arizona State University from 1962-1964 and Professor in Business at Mankato State University for 29 years from 1964-1993.  He was interested in the psychology of sales, advertising, and marketing, liked antique cars, and was a Pup Dad (dog owner) of his beloved Jasmine.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann; son, Jeffrey (Ranelle) Bensch of Fair Oaks, CA; daughters; Jackie Way of Dumfries, VA, Julie (Tom) Frederick of Mankato, MN, Jennifer Bensch of New York, NY; grandchildren: Jesse Way of Dumfries, VA, James (Stephanie) Way of Roseville, MN, Jace Bensch of Sacramento, CA, Lauren Bensch of San Antonio, TX, Kayla (Sam) Hicok of Castle Rock, CO, Marissa Frederick (Jake Mellema) of Maple Grove, MN; great grandchildren: Jonah, Margot and Lucas Way, Frederick and Henry Hicok; nieces and nephews, Jay Wheeler and Jill Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Nicholas Frederick; son-in-law, John Way; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Norm Wheeler.

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