Richard D. “Dan” Benyi, 83, of Vandalia, MI, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Esther’s House in Elkhart, IN. He was born in Detroit, MI on September 27, 1942, to the late John and Dorothy (Burgett) Benyi.

Dan is survived by his son, Daniel (Valerie) Benyi of Edwardsburg, MI; daughter, Samantha (Michael) Schuelke of Vandalia; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; and sister, Rosemary Neice. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Ann Beers, Dorothy Beers, and Barbara Miller; and brother, John Arthur Benyi.

Dan graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1963 and began working at CTS in 1965. He later retired after 53 years of service as a line leader. Dan worked part-time jobs through the years, including being a butcher at Charlie’s Butcher Block and selling firewood.

Dan enjoyed camping in the Smoky Mountains. He loved walking the Mackinac Bridge, which he did for many years, always earning a patch for every year he walked it. In his spare time, Dan could be found fishing on Shavehead Lake or making wood crafts; a pastime he was very talented at.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, IN. Dan will be laid to rest at Plum Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the Center for Hospice Care c/o Esther's House, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46545.