Fred "Joe" Benedict, age 85, of rural Villisca and Guss, Iowa, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home unexpectedly. Joe was born January 27, 1940, in rural Randolph, Iowa, the son of James and Frances Irene (Phillips) Benedict. He was raised near Randolph and graduated from Randolph High School in 1957. Joe then served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He was united in marriage to Judy Thompson on February 21, 1965, in Red Oak, Iowa. They lived in Malvern, Iowa, where Joe was a Mills County surveyor until moving to the rural Guss, Iowa area, to a farm where Joe still called home. Joe worked his dairy farm and raised crops and livestock as well as his daughter and son on the family farm. After he retired from dairy farming, Joe went to work at Parker Hannifin, retiring after 15 years of service. Joe was a long-time member of the Maple Grove Church and the Nodaway Saddle Club. He enjoyed dancing, reading, watching westerns and rodeos, and spending time with his dogs and family. He always enjoyed attending the grandkids activities. Joe split his time between the farm and his apartment in Stanton, Iowa.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and wife: Judy Benedict. Survivors include his daughter: Jody Druivenga and husband Sean of Stanton, Iowa; son: Todd Benedict of Guthrie Center, Iowa; grandchildren: Dilan Druivenga of Red Oak, Iowa; Dakkota Harrington and husband Connor of Kansas City, Missouri; and Devin Druivenga of rural Guss, Iowa; great grandchildren: Noah Hazel Harrington and Jonah Patrick Harrington; sister: Jean Wederquist of Urbandale, Iowa; and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, July 25, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Maple Grove Church or the Nodaway Saddle Club

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.