Vernon (Vern as he was known to family and friends) Bennigsdorf, 92, of Montrose, Colorado passed away at his home on June 5, 2026.

Vern was born on April 1, 1934, in Dow City, Iowa. He was one of ten children born to Herbert and M. Lucille (Carlson) Bennigsdorf. He grew up in West Central Iowa. He attended a country school. Following his education, Vern began working with local farmers before later joining the Co-Op in Ida Grove, IA.

On June 12, 1955, Vernon was united in marriage to Edith Sumpter at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa. The couple were blessed with 5 children: Lynne, Lou Ann, Lori, Brian, and Steve. In 1970, he moved his family to Montrose, Colorado, where he began a career with Rocky Mountain Natural Gas. Through hard work, determination, and dedication, he worked his way up to the position of manager. He spent his entire career working in the propane/natural gas industry. Vern retired in 1999 but continued to work part time for an additional five years as a sub-contractor for a pipeline company.

Vern enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, vacations with family, wintering in Texas and trips to Las Vegas. Vern also enjoyed attending high school and college sporting events, and, most of all, spending time with family. Vern was always willing to offer a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors whenever needed. A faithful Presbyterian for years, his faith helped guide the way he lived his life.

Above all, Vern was kind-hearted. His family looked to him for guidance, wisdom, and support. He was deeply involved in the lives of those he loved, and his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family created a legacy that will live on for generations.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Edith of Montrose, CO and his children: Lynne (Danny) Hawks, Lou Ann (Larry) Gavell, Lori Frost, Brian (Barb) Bennigsdorf and Steve (Tracy) Bennigsdorf; grandchildren, Michael (Laura) Hawks, Kellie (Eddie) Reed, Travis (Jackie) Hawks, Amy Gavell, Megan Gavell, Scott Gavell, Brandon (Aimee) Frost, Kevin (Elishah) Frost, Jennifer (Kelly Kibel), Kristen (Kevin English), Tyler (Heather) Bennigsdorf, Heather Bullis, Brad Bennigsdorf, Zach Lyons, Ryan McMullan, in addition there are nineteen great grandchildren and one great- great granddaughter and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Surviving brothers include Darrell and Lonnie (Marva) and one sister, Carol Miller. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lucille Bennigsdorf, siblings Dorene, Bob, Leila, Ruth, Gary, their spouses and Russell Bennigsdorf. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Timothy Hawks and son-in-law Bill Frost.

A Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, June 14th, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Crippin Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 15th, at 10:00 AM located at First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, CO with burial to follow at Grand View Cemetery. 

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to: First Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund or Hope West Hospice.