Roger D. Benhart

 Roger Dale Benhart, 81, of Colona, passed away on June 6, 2026, at his home in Colona, IL. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 15, 2026, at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Geneseo Moose Lodge #990.

Roger Dale Benhart was born on April 7, 1945, the son of Leslie and Lucille (Titlebach) Benhart in Prairie du Chien, WI. He graduated from JD Darnall High School in 1963 and later earned his associate's degree from Black Hawk College. Roger married Susan VanOverberg. They later divorced. Later in life, he met and married Linda Lenger on October 18, 1996. Roger was a proud member of the Air Force from 1965 to 1968 and was a recipient of a Purple Heart. He was employed at John Deere as a maintenance engineer and machine repairman for 40 years. In his free time, Roger ran a small engine repair service, fixing lawn mowers and various other things. He was an active member of the Geneseo Moose Lodge. Roger enjoyed playing softball and bowling, as well as tending to his garden.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda of Colona, IL; children, David Benhart of Minneapolis, MN, Scott (Suzanne) Benhart of Davenport, IA, Matthew (Melissa) Benhart of Geneseo, IL, Gina (Stephen) Jepsen of Taylor Ridge, IL; siblings, Michael (Sherry) Benhart, Jean (Vic) Laermans, Eileen Benhart, Jim (Jody) Benhart, Jerry Benhart; grandchildren, Alynna, Rowan, Angela, Evelyn, Michelle, Harley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Lucille Benhart.