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Charles Thomas Benner, 73, of Austin passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020, at his home in Austin.

Charles was born to Lester and LaVon (O’Rourke) Benner on July 7, 1946, in Britt, Iowa. He grew up in Mason City and lived in the Hollandale area, where he attended elementary school. He then attended Albert Lea High School.

On March 21, 1970, Charles married Joyce Majerus at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newry Township and together had three children. The couple purchased property on Highway 105 and worked on fixing it up to make it a nice farm. Charles and Joyce then bought a home in Austin that they lived in for the last 20 years. He worked various jobs over the years, including Quality Pork Processors, lawn maintenance — such as mowing and trimming, along with helping many farmers around the Hollandale and surrounding areas. He loved farming and animals and had a great sense of humor. Charles was a strong believer in his faith and prayed at home often. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father. Charles was well loved and will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Benner, of Austin; son, Troy Benner, of Austin; brother, John Benner, of Clarks Grove; sisters Georgia Enderson of Albert Lea, Kay (Tom) Sawyer of Albert Lea, Sheila (Dan) McNallan of Viola and Marie (Terry Hockert) Schaub of Lino Lakes; and many nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and LaVon Benner; son, Todd Benner, in 2017; daughter, Tammy Rae Benner, in 1992; two brothers, Bill Benner and Brian Benner; and brother-in-law, Dwane Enderson.

Funeral services will be at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newry Township. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.