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of Chelsea, Michigan, age 96, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, in Chelsea surrounded by his family. He was born October 21, 1929, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Rev. Robert Harlow & Opal Sarah (Seeber) Benedict, Sr.
 
Bob was a 5th grade teacher for several years, and then was principal at North Elementary for 17 years, and at South Elementary for 7 years. He played the “bones” and was a master storyteller. Bob enjoyed beekeeping, woodworking and loved to travel. He was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, where he was in the chancel choir and the bell choir. He was also a member of the Chelsea Kiwanis. Most importantly, he was a passionate educator who was curious and engaged. He found a way to make everything interesting. Bob took his family on many traveling adventures, and many outdoor activities. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren.
 
Bob married Gaynor F. Tomlinson, who preceded him in death on Sept. 17, 1968.  On December 27, 1970, he married Carol Ann Young. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2015. Bob is survived by his sons, Bruce (Sue) Young of San Antonio, Texas, and Robert (Carol) Benedict III of Chelsea; three daughters, Michal Ann (Bob) Enders of Middleville, Sandra (Joseph) Lantis of Chelsea, and Susan (Bryan) Young-Markey of Prescott, Arizona; 11 grandchildren, Tom (Ashleigh) Leedy, Sarah (Justin) Hardy, Nathan Enders, David (Summer) Young, Christina Young, Dr. Valerie Benedict, Brian Lantis, Jason (Bekah) Lantis, Sarah (Danny) Kruzel, Peter Markey, and Luke Markey; 9 great-grandchildren; his sister, June (Clare) Warren of MN; and many nieces & nephews. 
 
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 31, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 30, at the church from 5-7 pm, and Friday from 10-11 am before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church at https://chelseaumc.org/ or the Rafiki Foundation at https://rafikifoundation.org/. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
 
You may share a memory or leave a message for Bob's family using the form below.  Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your comments.  

Comments  

#5 john fitzsimmons 2025-10-29 20:25
fifh grade teacher north school first male teacher for me,I came from st mary,
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#4 Wendy Beaumont 2025-10-29 19:29
What a legacy! A lifelong learner and teacher. May your happy memories carry you through this hard time.
Our deepest sympathies,
Doug and Wendy
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#3 Tom Skittenhelm 2025-10-28 22:17
Mr. Benedict selected me to be Captain of the Safety Patrol in 5th grade. It was an honor and privilege to know him. Later in life I reconnected with him when my mother was living at Glazier Commons. I'd stop in to see he him when visit Mom. God Bless Mr Benedict and my deepest condolences to his family.
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#2 Erin Throneberry 2025-10-28 15:17
My sympathies to the family. This man scared the tar out of me as a young student at North School. As I got older and became an educator myself, I delighted in memories of him during those same year. I always loved when he would play "the bones" for us at school. Thank you Mr. Benedict for being so caring and passionate about all of your students. RIP sir.
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#1 Langdon Ramsay 2025-10-28 09:55
Diana and I have enjoyed Bob and Carol’s friendship for many years. We all sang in the Daybreak Choir under Donna Palmer and Misty Noble and loved the warmth and companionship that belonging to the choir fostered. We’ll carry the memories of those wonderful years in our hearts forever. May God bless us all.
With love,
Diana and Lang Ramsay
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