John W. Benter

Crosby

John William Benter died on May 15, 2024, after 99 years of a vivacious

life. He was born on December 26, 1924, in Crosby, N.D. Johnny was a

beloved family man and friend to many, and held immeasurable knowledge

about fixing just about anything with a motor.

He’ll be remembered for his unshakeable work ethic, adventurous stories,

and his ability to strike up friendships with folks of all ages and life

paths. He always had a spark in his eyes when telling stories.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at

Concordia Lutheran Church, in Crosby N.D. Internment will be Tuesday,

June, 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in

Mandan, N.D.

Johnny was born on a farm north of Crosby and endured the challenges of

coming of age during the Dust Bowl. Despite hardship, he thought fondly

of his time on the farm and credited it with sparking his lifelong

interest in aviation, as he loved watching airplanes from Crosby’s

nearby airport.

He graduated from Crosby High School in 1943; and two days after

graduation, he enlisted in the army during World War II and served 1943-46.

His experiences in the South Pacific theater spurred a lifelong passion

of restoring military vehicles along with collecting memorabilia from

World War II, creating an unmatched living history record with Benter’s

Collectibles.

He returned to Crosby a few months after the war ended, and shortly

thereafter met the love of his life, Marian. They made their first

humble home in a burned-out grainery. Then a few months later when he

got his military bonus, he bought their first family airplane – a

classic John W. Benter thing to do.

During this time, Johnny also took ownership of Crosby Top & Body Shop.

As his business grew to include wrecking and snow plowing services, so

did he and Marian’s family. They raised five children and made lasting

memories camping and going on family adventures in the airplane.

Johnny was an active community member in Crosby; he served on the City

Council, Airport Authority, and was a member of Concordia Lutheran

Church and the Moose Lodge. He and Marian were lifelong members of the

American Legion and Auxiliary, as well as Studebaker clubs.

While he never fully “retired,” he and Marian took time to travel around

the American West and Alaska in either their motorhome or the Studebaker

6×6. Every summer he loved showcasing his collection at the Threshing Bee.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 25, 2024.