Dennis Michael Benfield

Dennis (Denny) Michael Benfield of Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away on January 30, 2025 surrounded by family. He was 83 years old.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 4:30-7:30 PM, with a Prayer Service at 6:45 PM followed by the Rosary, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home, 125 South Armstrong Ave. in Litchfield. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 14 at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Philip, 821 E. 5th Street, Litchfield, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment at a later date.

Dennis was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 29, 1941. His parents were John and Evelyn (Freiberg) Benfield. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1959, and attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied horticulture.

During his time at the University, he met his future wife, Joanne Beverly Sundelius, who was also attending the University of MN. Joanne worked at Testins Corner Kitchen, where Dennis would come and enjoy a malt and read his newspaper. They soon started dating and married about a year later, April 20, 1963.

The early years of their marriage took them to Bloomington, Chanhassen, Houston Texas, and finally back to Minnesota where they spent 30 years in Chaska. Upon retirement in 2004, Dennis and Joanne moved to Litchfield, Minnesota.

The Benfield’s attended St. Victoria Catholic Parish in Victoria, Minnesota, where Dennis was the president of the church council. After moving to Litchfield, Dennis and Joanne became members of the Church of St. Philip.

Dennis enjoyed spending summers camping, hunting and fishing in Lake Benton. He and Joanne spent their winters in Texas and traveled as much as they could. They enjoyed visiting local parks, gardens, and arboretums to take in the native plants and flowers.

Dennis worked hard throughout his life. Horticulture was his career; his garden was his passion. Many were able to enjoy this garden which bloomed from spring to fall. It was even featured one year as Garden #2 in the Litchfield Garden Tour.

Dennis loved animals, and throughout the years, the Benfield home hosted a variety of pets including dogs, rabbits, ducks, turtles, and more. The home was never without a dog.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joanne Benfield; children Kari (Peter) Hanson, Mike Benfield, Jennifer (Ryan) Ware, Donna (Brian) Fehrenbach, and Daniel Benfield; Grandchildren Zach (Virginia) Hanson, Ashley (Bobby) Mason, Bennett (Sara) Hanson, Jessica Ware, Joseph Fehrenbach, Patrick Fehrenbach, Jacob Fehrenbach, Megan (Tamarius) Harvey, Nathan Fehrenbach, Natalie Benfield, Eric Benfield, and Jonathan Benfield; great-grandchildren Ava Hanson, Lily Hanson, Mila Mason, and Brooks Mason; sister Barb Iverson; and brother-in-law Gary Sundelius.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents John & Evelyn Benfield; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dennis and Mary Sundelius; and his beloved cocker spaniel, Maggie.

Memorials in Dennis’ name to the Anderson Gardens in Litchfield are appreciated. Please make checks out to Anderson Gardens and send to "Anderson Gardens c/o Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home, 125 S. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield MN, 55355."