Bennett “Benny” A. Kuster, 79, of Kewanee, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family. Benny was born April 10, 1944, in Kewanee, the son of Alvin and Leanore (Bennett) Kuster. Benny graduated from Kewanee High School in 1962. He married Phyllis Hepner on August 7, 1966; she preceded him in death on April 17, 1977.
Benny is survived by four children, Todd Kuster, Anchorage, AK; Chris (Dee Ann) Kuster, Geneseo; Beth (Gary) Sierens, Annawan; Nik (Ina) Kuster, Kewanee; and David (Abigail) McCall, Kewanee; ten grandchildren, Isaac, Hope, Faith, Paige, Bennett, Shaylee, Atticus, Evangeline, Holden, Oliver; and David’s children Aubree and Kash; sister, Alice (John) Salonya, Geneseo; a brother-in-law, Bill Vetos, Golden, CO; four nieces, Abigail (Josh) Brauer, Jenniger Cabral, Julie Vetos, Laura (Harley) Hepner; and Benny’s loyal dog, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; and a sister, Rosemary Vetos.
Benny dedicated his entire life to farming; carrying a passion and commitment for livestock and the land. Additionally, he was an active member of the Henry Country Beef Producers for many years. During his life, he was a large supporter of the FFA and an FFA Alumni member. Benny was a member of the Church of Peace where he had many roles. He was a member of Brotherhood and Peacemakers while also serving as the cemetery sexton. Benny dedicated thirty-six years of service to the Kewanee Community as a volunteer firefighter. Benny enjoyed collecting antique tractors and instructing rebuilds. He then proudly displayed these tractors in many tractor shows and parades; especially the Francis Park and Hog Days’ parades. He enjoyed history of all sorts, in particular local history. Benny also enjoyed hunting and playing cards, and was viewed as a good bluffer in friendly neighborhood poker games. Above all else, Benny had countless friends and family members whom he delighted in spending time with. He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. An hour visitation will also be from 9:30 – 10:30 am, Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Church of Peace, prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Church of Peace. Pastor Dan Craig will officiate. Burial will be in the Garden of Peace Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee FFA Alumni or the Church of Peace. Please leave an online condolence for Benny’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.