Bennett John Harl was born May 26, 1942 in Nebraska City, Nebraska the son of Elza John and Virginia Isabel (Humes) Harl.

Ben graduated from Newton High School and in June of 1960 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served 3 years before his honorable discharge in 1963. On September 23, 1972 Ben was united in marriage to Marcia Ellen Vandall in Estherville, Iowa. The couple made their home in Pleasantville, Iowa. Ben worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Knoxville and Des Moines V.A. Medical Centers until his retirement in 2004.

In his spare time, Ben enjoyed sprint car racing, the Denver Broncos and the Iowa State Cyclones. He also appreciated his cats. Above all else, Ben was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Ben passed away Monday, July 27, 2026 at Vintage Hills, in Indianola, at the age of 84 years.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by son, Bennett Cole Harl.

Those left to cherish Ben’s memory include his wife, Marcia; children: Hope Harl of Seattle, Washington, David Harl of Knoxville, Robin (Darin) Turner of Sioux City and Darin (Chanel) Harl of Knoxville; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren (another due in December); siblings: Linda Jaquez of Nebraska, Janet Martin of Knoxville and Steven (Linda) Harl of Minnesota and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and will be designated at a later date.