Elroy H. Benz

Mr. Benz was born in Mequon, on March 14, 1930, the 10th of 12 children born to George Sr. and Anna Benz. He married Lucille (nee Koopmann) on May 5, 1951. Elroy is survived by his loving daughter, Cheryl (Richard) Janke, dear sister Adeline Zimmermann, and brother-in-law, Robert Zieger Sr., as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lucille, 5 brothers; Lawrence Sr., Harry Sr., George Jr., Edward, and Carl Benz, and 5 sisters; Lillian Peters, Mabel Zieger, Edna Feldmann, Rose Borchardt, and Sylvia Benz. Elroy was a lifelong resident of Ozaukee County and was well-known in the county and surrounding areas by his polka music known as Elroy Benz and his River Bend Play Boys. He began playing drums at age 12, and then learned accordion. Elroy and his band played over 1,000 weddings as well as other parties and Sunday afternoon dances in four decades from the 1950s through the 1980s. He also produced 3 record albums in that time sending them to several surrounding states and as far away as Holland. Elroy worked for 44 years and retired in 1995, at the age of 65, from Federal Foods Inc. where he was involved with Fromm Brothers Nieman fox farm and the dog and mink food production. Elroy also operated his own mink ranch for 33 years. The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Shewczyk and Dr. John Burfeind for their constant care and support to Elroy over the past year. Memorials: Memorials of your choice appreciated. Cemetery: Zur Ruhe Cemetery N69 W6000 Bridge St. Cedarburg, WI 53012 (map/driving directions) Visitation: 3PM to 6PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church W61 N498 Washington Ave. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on November 16, 2009 (map/driving directions) Service: 6PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church W61 N498 Washington Ave. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on November 16, 2009 (map/driving directions)