Obituary of Rick Sterling Benz

Rick Sterling Benz was born April 5, 1986 in Sibley, IA; the son of Teresa (Drenkow) Pomrenke and Kenny Benz. Rick lived most of his youth in Sibley and attended Sibley-Ocheyedan schools, graduating in 2004. He played football and golf, helped with the basketball program, and was involved in FFA.

Following graduation, Rick moved to Ames, IA and attended Des Moines Area Community College. He would be proud to tell you he earned three Associate degrees and two diplomas in business, retail and sales.

Rick began working at Jiffy Lube in 2005 as a courtesy technician, advancing to the first assistant manager position. He enjoyed the people there and had many positive relationships within the company. Rick also worked part-time jobs in Ames; first at Outlaws, and most recently at Es Tas Sports Bar and Grill. He loved living in Ames and had many treasured friends from his time there.

Rick had a passion for Notre Dame sports. He started a “Notre Dame for Life” text with family to discuss games on Saturdays. He also loved the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He hardly ever missed watching a Twins game. When he wasn’t working, Rick kept busy with golf, bowling league, playing cards, and fantasy football. He was a very patriotic young man - he loved his country. Rick had a “Go Big or Go Home” attitude, an enormous sense of humor, and was always having fun…his smile and giggle were infectious. He liked hanging out with his friends and family, and always had a hug ready for anyone. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Rick never hid the fact he wanted to be an organ and tissue donor. His selfless gift will have the potential to enhance many lives. He passed from this life on April 5, 2020.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Teresa and Jerry Pomrenke of Milford, IA, Kenny and Sheila Benz of Melvin, IA; sisters: Sarah Benz and her children: Sterling and Kennedy of Milford, IA and Victoria (Jeremy) Johnson and their children: Skylar and Connor of Kansas City, KS; step-brother: Mitchell Pomrenke (Jesica Heidbrink) and their son, Jack of Yankton, SD; step-brothers: Chris (Becky) Scharlepp and their children: Kayla, Haley, and Lily of Rock Valley, IA, and Nate DeVos of Colorado Springs, CO; grandmothers: Shirley Drenkow of Melvin, IA and Lavonne Pomrenke of Sibley, IA; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Richard and Yvonne Benz, Marvin Drenkow, and George Pomrenke, Jr.

A Memorial Service for Rick will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th at the First Lutheran Church in Milford, IA. Due to COVID 19 guidelines, it can be viewed simultaneously by clicking on the last button in the column of choices at the top left on this web page - "Memorial Service Link", and will be available for viewing even after the actual service date.

Mobile Device Users:

Click on the word “Obituary” right below “In Memory of Rick Sterling Benz” and select “Memorial Service Link” from the drop-down menu.

If you wish to send condolences to the family:

Kenny and Sheila Benz

6258 240th Street

Melvin, IA 51350

Teresa and Jerry Pomrenke

1503 H Avenue

Milford, IA 51351