Todd Michael Benz, age 61, of Hendricks, MN, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Celebration of Life will be at 2 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks, MN. Visitation will be on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Todd was born on September 15, 1964, in Hendricks, Minnesota, to Donald and Bernice (Tomaszewski) Benz. He grew up in rural Hendricks alongside his siblings and graduated from Hendricks High School. As one of the younger brothers, Todd loved tagging along with his older brothers on hunting trips and adventures, creating memories that would last a lifetime. In 1996, Todd married Rebecca Lovro in Hendricks. Their greatest blessing was the birth of their son, Gavin Michael, who remained the pride and joy of Todd’s life. Todd spent his entire life in Hendricks, where he worked for NB Golf and Nelson Farms and was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand. He appreciated an honest day’s work and found contentment in the simple things. Todd enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when he could share those experiences with Gavin and other family members. Whether he was in a field or by a lake or simply spending time together, those moments meant the world to him. He occasionally enjoyed trying his luck at the casino, stopping at the local bar to visit with friends, and never missed the opportunity to share a good conversation. Todd genuinely enjoyed people and was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Todd had a way of making people feel comfortable. It was rare to see him without a smile—or without a bottle of Pepsi and a cigarette. He was easygoing, kind, and genuinely friendly to everyone he met. One of Todd’s greatest gifts was the way he connected with children. He always had time for the little people in his life, never too busy to listen, laugh, play, or simply make them feel important. Whether it was Gavin, his nieces and nephews, or his friends’ kids, they knew they had a friend in Todd. He never sought the spotlight and never asked for much. Instead, he found happiness in family, friendships, laughter, and the quiet rhythms of everyday life. Those who knew Todd will remember his unmistakable smile, his dimple, his generous heart, and his ability to simply go with the flow. More than anything, he will be remembered as a proud father, loving brother, loyal friend, and a man whose greatest priority was the people he loved. Though Todd’s life ended far too soon, the kindness he showed, the love he gave, and the memories he created with those closest to him will remain in their hearts forever.
Grateful to have shared his life are his beloved son, Gavin, and Gavin’s fiancée, Kailyn Mutsch; his brothers, Richard (Josie) Benz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Allen (Beverly) Benz of Canby, Minnesota, David (Kari) Benz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and James (Sharla) Benz of Hendricks, Minnesota; his sister, Sandy Giles of Willow Lake, South Dakota; brothers-in-law, Paul Sterzinger and James Eastman, both of Ivanhoe, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Bernice Benz, and his sisters, Geraldine and Rose Ann.
