Michael Martin Benzen
Michael Martin Benzen, Marshfield, was born on August 7, 1943 in St. Louis, MO, to Martin and Dorothy (McDaniel) Benzen. He departed this life on February 16, 2026, in his home surrounded by family at the age of 82.
Mike graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in St. Louis, MO. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and his master’s degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Mike was employed with Missouri State Government from 1969 to 2000. He worked in various positions in the Department of Mental Health from 1969 – 1995. In 1991, he was the Deputy Department Director of IT Services. In 1995, he became the State of Missouri’s first Chief Information Officer. Mike retired as Chief Information Officer for the State of Missouri during the Governor Mel Carnahan administration. During his tenure, Missouri rose from 26th to 3rd in ranking of State IT Departments in the Government Technology Magazine. He was President of the National Association of State IT Directors and served as President from 1998-1999. In that capacity, he testified before the United States Senate and House of Representatives regarding Y2K issues. Mike was an adjunct educator for William Woods University from 1991-2008. He was Vice President for Governmental Services with Tier Technology from 2000 – 2004. Mike was an avid wood craftsman and Ham Radio operator. He was an Eagle Scout with Scouting America. He was a member of the Marshfield United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two cousins.
Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean (Lemasters) Benzen, of the home; two sons, Matt Benzen and Michelle of Springfield, Caleb Sabo and Carrie of Marshfield; one daughter, Tracy Benzen-Bland and Thomas of Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Carolyn Bland, Maycie Sabo, Kayla Ryder and Reiss, Owen Benzen, Ada Sabo, and Barrett Sabo; and one cousin, David Buckner and Sue of St. Genevieve.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield, with visitation to follow the service. Interment will be in the Marshfield Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to TLC Student Funds or Boy Scouts of America, and left in care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO, 65706.
Services can be viewed on Mike Benzen’s Facebook page.