John "Benny" Uhl

John Bernard Uhl, 83, of Bucyrus, died early Sunday, April 11, 2021 at his home in the loving care of his family and Avita Hospice after a recent illness.



He was born December 13, 1937 in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania to the late Edward and Delores (Kaple) Uhl. Shortly after birth, his family moved to Bucyrus and in 1955, Benny graduated from Bucyrus High School. He continued his education at Tiffin University and then served in both the 136 and 174 Infantry of the Army National Guard. In 1959, Benny Married Barbara Jean Beach whom he met a couple of years earlier and she survives.



Benny worked at Columbia Gas for 35 years. He began that career as a meter reader and retired in 1998 as a leak inspector, covering a five-state region. Even after retirement, Benny worked a variety of jobs and was a joiner of many organizations. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and usher as well as served on their cemetery board; Knights of Columbus; Bucyrus Jaycees; board member for the following organizations: Bratwurst Festival and served as a festival director for a year; Bucyrus City Schools; Bucyrus Salvation Army and Oakwood Cemetery. Benny was also a member of the Moose Lodge 669; past three-time Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge 156 and past District Deputy for the North Central District; past three-time Commander of the American Legion 181 and served on the Military Funeral Detail for many years; past Commodore of the Bay Point Yacht Club and a past member of the Inter-Lake Yachting Association.



Benny enjoyed some bowling and golfing over the years, but his passions were time spent with family and being on the water. He took pride in spoiling his grandchildren and simply loved being around them. Benny made several friends and shared much laughter through his 60 plus years of boating and fishing on Lake Erie. He spent countless hours working in his garden and produced many ears of corn to share with others. His other happy place was his barn. A building where he could often be found caring for and working on his boat, tinkering with something, or simply relaxing with a cold beer in front of the TV. Benny will be remembered as an easy going individual who loved having a good time in life.



In addition to Barb, his wife of nearly 62 years, Benny is survived by two children, Vickie Schiefer and John (Mellisa Chamberlin) Uhl; seven grandchildren, Sami (Eric) Giffin, Isaac (Ashley) Schiefer and their three children, Emma, Piper and Lincoln, Chelsea (Andy Burk) Schiefer and her daughter, Bailey Doles, Joshua Uhl and his son, Oliver, Kaia Uhl, Kacy Uhl and Allison Chamberlin. Benny is also survived by two sisters, Margaret “Maggie” (Frank) Fischer and Sally (Dave) Fellows as well as many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom Schiefer.



Benny’s preference was for a private graveside funeral. He will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery with Fr. Paul Fahrbach officiating and his friends from the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail will carry out full Military Rites.



Donations can be made payable to either Gifts for Yanks or to Avita Hospice and these gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his tribute wall.