The Encore Years: Ed and Fran Benz
This is an inspiring article on Ed & Fran Benz that is in the March 2, 2018 issue of the Grosse Pointe News. Their lives reflect a dedication to serve others as well as each other. Ed & ran are role models and we are proud Ed is a member of SMCGP.
Life continues to be an adventure for City of Grosse Pointe residents Ed and Fran Benz.
The two met on the SS South American, a Great Lakes steamer. He was a busboy and bellhop while he worked his way through school, then after serving in the U.S. Army, he returned and served as a bartender.
“Every year a nurse would do medical records and draw blood,” Ed Benz said. “That was (Fran).”
They met in the dining room and argued about Ayn Rand, Fran Benz said. It was the start of a long-lasting and eventful relationship.
After they married, they applied to the Peace Corps and were ready to head to North Bornea, “but that was the week we found out I was pregnant with Brian,” Fran Benz said, so they were unable to go. “Three years later we found out about Extension Lay Volunteers, which is like the Catholic Peace Corps. We spent a year (in Rowena, Texas).” Read more
Men's Club of Grosse Pointe 