Joan Benz of Arnolds Park, IA; formerly of Melvin, IA; passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be directed to www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Joan Patricia Benz was born on December 1, 1949, in Derby, CT; to Kenneth and Ruth (DiCapua) Gagnon. Growing up in a military family, Joan graduated from a high school in Wiesbaden, Germany. Joan worked in New York City in the late 1960’s for an airline doing travel bookings. She was united in marriage to John Benz on August 15, 1970, in Shelton, CT. They eventually moved to northwest Iowa in the early 1970’s. For nearly 45 years, Joan owned and operated Sunset Travel Agency in Milford, IA and Sibley, IA which allowed her to continue her love for travel.
She was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, painting, tending to her flower and vegtable garden, entertaining family and friends, and cooking and caring for her family. Joan always had a warm smile and a kind heart. She was generous to many people and always treated everyone with respect. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a good friend to many.
She is survived by her husband John Benz of Arnolds Park, IA; formally Melvin, IA; daughter Allison (Kevin) Rossan and their son Jack of Gridley, CA; son Eric (Tessa) Benz and their daughter Kinsley of Foster City, CA; siblings Karen, Bruce, Laura, Lynn and Leslie. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family requests that, instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to:
Next Life Foundation in memory of Joan Benz.
2106 Tarzan St. Okoboji, IA 52355
www.nextlifefound.org
EIN 46-5588534
